Smyrna times., 1943-11-18


the Boys and Girls in the Service,
which seemed quite real, it left
Dribbles wondering how those in
the uniform of World War; II real
ly felt about that eventful day in
1918 when the order came through
to cease firing. Much water has
flown over the dam since November
11th, 1918-at least twenty-five
years = and many changes have
taken place, but to my comrades
of World War 1 Armistice Day will
always hold a most significant
meaning. 1t is therefore most in
vigorating and refreshing to this
old ex-salt to learn that Service
folk of the present day are remem-
bering too.
We were of the opinion in 1918
that we had left the world safe for
the peoples of all nations to live in.
However, it just did not work out
that way. This time we must be
sure. None of us want another
worldwide war on our hands tWen-
ty-five years from now. One of the
answers to that is for all of us to
see that there is no armistice this
time-nothing short of complete
victory. Following that, Dribbles
is in favor of allowing those that
did the actual fighting make the
peace. They would know better
how to deal with the kinds of peo-
pie that forced this war on us.
And, don't let anyone ever try to
sell you on the idea that only the
leaders are responsible for the hor-
ror and frightfulness that has fol-
lowed. Savagery and brutality are
characteristic of certain peoples.
Fear of just punishment will cause
them to exercise restraint, but
once the gates are opened, the
truth is apparent. The savage Hun
has always been the savage Hun,
and the pirate of Asia has always
been tn pirate of Asia. Whether
they be smearing their hands with
the blood of innocent persons, or
dressed for a formal diplomatic
dinner, the Hun remains the Hun,
the Pirate the Pirate. And so they
should be looked upon at the peace
table. After you have removed the
immediate striking power of an
adder, it would be folly to allow
him to roam at will in your bed
room until such a time as he could
store up a fresh supply of venom
to destroy you.
But, speaking of Armistice Day.
Mary Lou Porter, it seems as
though it Requires a certain some
thing, in the way of an experience,
for an individual to sense its true
meaning. Somehow, you seem to
have absorbed this knowledge, yet
you were not even born when that
day arrived. Perhaps it can be at
tributed to an Eastern belief of re-
incarnation of the soul into a diff
ferent body. Could it be, that
down through the ages has come
the soul of an old naval hero, one
Captain David Porter Of the good
ship U. S. S. Essex? More pity
that the boys in blue in those days
did not have such naval organ
ization as the WAVES of the U. S.
N. R. for added inspiration. Had
this ben true, the eventful day that
the U. S. S. Essex met up with H.
M. S. Alert, the issue would no
doubt have been decided in less
than half the tine that t actually
took. AS it was, Captain David
Porter did not do a bad job at that.
Could it be that you are a name
sake of this heroic gentleman ?
Quite coincidence, if it were true.
AS to the great big lump in
your throat" accompanied by "a
couple of foolish tears" Dribbles
begs to differ with you, sailor girl.
There is nothing foolish about tears
on Armistice Day. In fact, there
is nothing foolish about lady-like
tears at any time. Just go on be-
ing the creditable young WAVE
that you are. Don't try to explain
any worthy emotion. Let folks
guess for themselves if they wish.
And, if you should again find your
self looking through a couple of
unannounced tears = why not?
You've even admitted that you
were a bit salty-this would only
go to prove the point. Good living,
Mary Lou Porter. Remember, the
latch string always hangs on the
outside to welcome both old friends
and new.
With U. S., Troops
Hello Dribbles:
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