Nov. 16, 1943
U. S. Navy
## "November 16th"
### A Short Story
There ARE MANY FAMOUS DATES IN HISTORY. In fact there are so many that it is impossible to name them all. Some of these dates are so prominent that each year they are set aside as Holidays in recognition and celebration. There is Dec 25th, the date everyone waits 365 days a year for, then of course, New Years, Saint Patricks, Fourth of July, or Washington's Birthday. But let me get to the point.
The special date I'm thinking of comes on, let me see now, yes, Nov 16. Whats so important about that? you ask. Well listen to me —
A little over 50 years ago in a small town way down in the Southern part of Indiana, there was much anxiety in a certain little red brick home. From the outside looking in, one would never suspect what great event was taking place. Just the light from an upper window gave even the slightest hint that anyone lived there. But on the inside, hearts were beating fast as the expected wail of the new arrival was awaited.
The following day a proud father passed cigars with boastsome pride on the arrival of his new son and hier.
The years passed and the Nov 16ths came and went as the child grew up - attended school, swam in the old brick yard, attended college - became a man. He served his country in World War one and married the most beautiful girl in the world. Together they [page break]
celebrated Nov 16th - soon three celebrated, then four, five and eventually six.
But Fate played his trump. The years saw this family grow and slowly branch out. Marriage, school, and another World war broke up the family. But Nov 16 still remained, it could never change. The oldest, newly married daughter, knew what day it was, the daughter in college knew what day it was, and in the Navy an only son knew what day it was. Each knew that he or she had cause to be grateful for Nov 16th, for each would say to himself "Today is daddy's birthday. My Father the most gracious, kind, thoughtful, loving father in the world. Always thinking of me. Though I am not home to help in the festivities, he knows that my love for him is matched nowhere else. May God keep him always and make Nov 16th now and evermore his happiest of birthdays.
The End
Though I'm a little late Dad
Happy Birthday Dad
Bud.