I find it hard to believe it is almost November, but the calendar doesn't lie. Where did the year go? I have often held that time, or at least its perception, accelerates as you age and so far nothing has proven me wrong. I suppose that is as good as an excuse as any to explain why I haven't posted since April.
I have also held that we look back with both longing and nostalgia to the heady days of our youth and at the same time try to recreate, at least in a small way, the excitement (discovery) of the hobbies and pastimes we've carried into the present. Toy soldiers and war-gaming are certainly one area that I have continued to pursue. I would add, however, that this pursuit cannot be static which oddly enough brings me to the topic of today's post. Originally, this blog was focused solely on larger 40 and 54mm figures and games. But like most gamers, my interests vary but can be basically assigned to three eras: The American War of Independence, Napoleonics (including North America), and World War Two. The first two I've covered in earlier posts and today I wish to write about the third.
For my generation, the so-called "Baby Boomers", the second Great War held particular significance. My father served for some 44 months in the Southwest Pacific, starting a Guadalcanal and finishing up in the Philippines (with stops in New Guinea along the way). He rarely talked about his experience and I suspect most veterans who have lived with war rarely do. I was fortunate, for despite some twenty-four years of service, mostly in the National Guard, I neither heard nor experienced any shots fired in anger. For that I am grateful. I had some friends who were either forever changed, or in one case forever young, because of the wars in Southeast Asia. The Wall in Washington is both their remembrance and epitaph.
But WW2 was always a ever-present shadow when I was growing up and playing with "green army men" and a whole lot of imagination, my friends and I created our own "Sgt Rock" and his gallant "Easy Company". Now some sixty plus years later, I still do (albeit with somewhat more sophistication I like to think).
So "Der Resin Kavalier" will branch off to recreate in a small way, this tragedy and achievement that for better or worse still hangs over the present. Those who fought that war some eighty years ago are now mostly gone. Perhaps in my own little way, I can help to keep their deeds and valor alive. Their sacrifices are too important to let fade.
Until next time...