Memorial Day is just over a week away on May 31. That day provides us the opportunity to remember our men and women who served in the armed forces and those who serve today.
There’s a song titled “Some Gave All” with the lyrics:
All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all
Whether you celebrate or find Memorial Day just another day on the calendar, take a moment and remember “all gave some and some gave all” and be thankful they did.
With that thought in mind, have you seen the 1991-1995 World War II 50th Anniversary Clad Half Dollar commemorative coin?
The artists, George Klauba – obverse and Bill J. Leftwich – reverse, tell powerful stories with their designs.
First, let’s look at the obverse:
Three men of our armed forces hold their heads high in front of a “V” for victory and proudly look to a future of an America with liberty for all. Above them, an Air Force plane – important to the World War II efforts – flies across the sky of freedom.
The reverse, however, tells a different story, the story before the victory was attained.
Just look at the detailed story on a coin that is just over 1.2 inches in diameter.
The American soldier crawls up the hillside on a Pacific island with his gun and equipment. The rocks fall away from his feet as he climbs through the fallen vegetation. In the distance, a ship fires its guns while two troop carriers full of soldiers make their way to shore. Above, a fighter plane prepares to attack with a barrage of bullets.
One coin, two sides, tells two very different yet very powerful stories.
The obverse makes you proud and reminds you of why you enjoy freedom today. The reverse mentally takes you to a hot, dirty climb where you fear for your life while the deafening noise of war surrounds you.
Remember and be thankful that “all gave some and some gave all.”