Remember those who served
A family history of service
My grandmother, Angie Barnes, who lived in the Easton/Mars Hill area her whole life, raised a family of seven boys and one girl by herself. My grandfather was killed in an accident, leaving my Dad the oldest at age 17. All this happened during the Depression years.
Barnes men in uniform
I often asked Gram why she didn’t remarry, and her response was always, “Who would want me and eight children during these times?” I share all of this to tell you that, of those seven boys, all of them were in the armed services at one time or another. She was an amazing lady and, I am sure, struggled to feed and raise her family. I have enclosed a clipping and letter written by her son Milton as he served in Germany.
The “Barnes boys” served as follows: Gerald (my Dad) was in the Army and an MP in Massachusetts (deceased); Earl served in Europe and resides in Presque Isle; Leonald served in England with the Army/Air Corps (deceased); Donald served on a hospital ship to Europe (deceased); Milton served in Germany with the Army in the Battle of the Bulge (deceased); Carlton served in Korea during the Korean War, 7th Div., and presently resides in Bingham; and Raymond served stateside with the U.S. Navy (deceased).
All sons returned safely home to support their mother, who willingly gave her sons to support America in the efforts to sustain our freedoms. The final paragraph in the letter Milton wrote home reflects his feelings regarding this country, and I’m sure expresses the feelings of all the boys as they left their home and mother to serve in the armed services. I am proud of that heritage.
“It is impossible for anyone to realize what a wonderful, beautiful place America and home is, until they’ve seen countries and people at war in their own front yard. That’s why I figure this war isn’t hurting me nor seven million like me. We’ve learned to appreciate those million things at home that we didn’t even know existed. You folks, nor us, can’t be too thankful of our America, and our homes.
“I received the swell box you sent me and we nearly cleaned it up that night and the next day we made a counterattack and really finished it off. Thanks a million — hope you and the boys are getting along good. I hope to see you all soon. Bye now, lots of love.
“From your son, Milton.”
Submitted by
Connie Heald
Perham
