by Highlands Historian Stella Bailey
There are three main events in the month of November. First is Election Day, when you have the privilege of voting for the persons of your choice. Second is Veterans Day, when you can remember the sacrifices made on our behalf. Then comes Thanksgiving Day, when you can be thankful for all you blessings.
I think Veterans Day is most important, when you can remember to thank all those courageous men and women who fought on our behalf and even gave up their lives for this noble cause. There were heroes and heroines in all branches of service, one in particular caught my attention.
These were the nurses who were a great part of the turmoil in the Philippines during World War II. In her book entitled ‘We Band of Angels,’ Elizabeth M. Norman states: “You may talk all you want of the pioneer women who went across the plains of early America and helped found our great nation – but – never forget the American girls who fought on Bataan and later Corregidor. Theirs had been a life of conveniences and even luxury but their hearts were the same hearts as those of the women of early America. The memory of their coming ashore on Corregidor that early April morning, dirty, disheveled; some of them wounded from the April 9, 1942 hospital bombings – and every last one of them – her chin up in the air – is a memory that can never be erased.”
All through this war the nurses performed their duties and suffered the same as the men. I suggest you take this time to read this heartbreaking and informative book.
When Bataan fell and the infamous Bataan Death March took place, one of our own local Highland Falls men, Ralph Poness, was in that march. He survived and lived on to write down his memories of that cruel and pitiful time. Mr. Poness donated a copy of his memoirs to the Historical Society and he even donated his Purple Heart Medal. Survival was a miracle of strength and endurance and those that did reach the Japanese internment camps only found that the torture continued.
Highland Falls and Fort Montgomery have always been very proud of our local service people and have showed it in many ways. Just look at the wonderful, patriotic banners decorating our main streets. The Historical Society has several veterans display boards of our local veterans, including the nurses. When you see a service person on the street, take the time to give them a ‘hello’ and thank them for serving.
There were several West Point graduates on Bataan and Corregidor. Many knew some of them would not be returning and they handed over personal mementos to the nurses to bring home to family members. At that time, some parents and loved ones had no idea if their loved ones were alive or dead. When some of the nurses were evacuated to Australia and the time came to bring them back home, they boarded the transport ship U.S.S. West Point. When the West Point arrived in New York Harbor on July 2, 1942 it’s docking was broadcast live by radio across the entire United States..
Highland Falls even had a U.S.O. – United Service Organization – located on Main St. It was a ‘home away from home’ for service men and women. This organization was started by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and lasted for years. Stop by the Historical Society to see more photos.
Yes, holidays can be wonderful. Gathering of families, a day off for all the pleasures we care about. But let us not forget the reasons for these holidays. As is often quoted – Freedom Is Not Free.