| Show Not only did the crash ofB-24 Liberator bomber into the Pacific Ocean off the Island of Samar near the Philippines leavewreckage of crushed wings fuselage gun turrets and tail parts but also strewn in wake were dashed hopes aspirations and dreams for most of the men who manned the plane son who is gentle considerate and brave fillsa mother heart with appreciation and grateful pride His letters were optimistic filled with humor and the joy of being alive despite living inworld gone berserk and fraught with constant danger happier post-war era had awaited him with its opportunities to explore many possible professions chance to expand his already multiple talents to enter into marriage and to fulfill his great promise of leadership and service Such thoughts brought feelings of remorse to me on that shock-filled day in June Shortly after when personal effects came home inU Air Force packing crate my eyes did not really want to read officer Arnold or the letters of commendation the citation My hands from General of the did not want to touch at his tropic-weathered fromconcert-goer personal from his commanding wallet Air the Purple Force Heart reluctantly in Sioux Fall South Dakota Hap or look opened gift Burke had been featured piano soloist with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra while stationed there as an Air Force instructor before he volunteered for combat duty card read To fan the flame of genius Now today after nearly forty-five years the mental wall protecting my once fragile psyche has eroded away with the passage of time Asfeel the Purple Heart earlier pain has been replaced experienced asboy peering read old letters and by strength out and ofbedroom faith citations Feelings window at blossomed apricot tree are reinforced fromlifetime of experience as being based upon truth His slender frame brown curly hair happy eyes and lasting smile were only the earthly home of an eternal spirit Pacific Ocean through veil body that flew through in WWII an unknown The was coupled sky somewhere strains of music that cloud formations withsoul now progressing beyond flowed 78 what many so beautifully supple strong fingers have lasting ethereal moving across the keyboard were surely meant at another place over the call the from his quality the hands to play another day |
