Smyrna times., 1944-04-20
WAVES
Dear Dribbles:
Washington, D. C.

I'm terribly sorry to have neglect
ed you in such a manner, but news
is scarce-that is, news that I can
tell you.
However, I should like to tell you
that 1 have entered my second year
of active duty already, and am.
confidentially, very proud of it. Be-
fore I know it, 1 suppose I'll be
wearing a hashmark. But don't
quote me on that.
How about Uncle Butch" Rob-
inson!l He certainly did keep the
Navy in the family, didn't he ?
Really I'm sure, with the hundreds
of sailors 1 see every day, 1 haven't t
seen one nea4ly SO cute as Butch.
If 1 were not related, he might
even make me forget there is an
Army Air Corps. (That was pure
ly slip of the tongue on my part.)
If 1 may, Dribbles, should like
to comment at this late date on my
personal idea concerning the late
Harvey Gardner, U. S. Merchant
Marine.
My idea, and that of every SER
vice man or woman with whom 1
have discussed the matter, is that
without the shadow of doubt,
Harvey's name is just as good to
be in records as any sailor, soldier,
or marine.
This young man gave the su-
preme gift for his Country. He
went down with his ship and was,
without a doubt, proud to do it.
You know, Dribbles, there is
something to every true Navy man
that is great when he goes down
with his ship; the same feeling ex-
lists in the heart of every pilot if
he "rides" his plane down-and I
feel sure that every man who
wears the uniform of the u. S.
Merchant Marine has that same
loyalty.
And these men never die in our
hearts, for their spirits go on and
help to make up part of the senti-
ment that is the American people
and Democracy itself.
Therefore, do we select certain
ones of our dead heroes to honor? ?
I'm only asking you, and all those
who may read this. Can your con-
science, or mine, rest if we allow
this to be another war of forgot
ten men ?" God willing, 1 hope
not.
So, Dribbles, I have very well
succeeded in speaking my mind.
Perhaps I had better secure for the
present.
Good luck to all you service men
and women wherever you may be-
God bless you and keep you safe
and bring you home to us safely
we miss you so.
Good night Dribbles, I'll be see-
ing you again; sooner this time.
A Wave,
Mary Lou Porter
Maryl Lou Porter, Y-2c
U. S. N. R.-W.
Wave Quarters B (F214)
West Potomac Park
Washington, D. c.
Sure and it's the making of g
happy Sunday night for an old mar
to look up and see such trim lit
tie craft tacking into the old home
port for a short visit, before you
speed off into strange lands again
So furl up your jib, and drop youl
mainsail, sailor. When you hove.
to, come ashore and drop anchor
close by. Well sound off for 6
spell, then as the minutes pass
We'll conduct ourselves like plair
folk, loyal Americans.
Yes, it's certainly nice having
you back, even though your stay bt
short. Course, I know that vol
simply can't pass along informa
tion for the sake of having some
thing to say. However, it is al
ways in order to report a promo
ton. We notice you now ratt
Yoeman Second Glass, and con
gratulate you most heartily OF
your advancement. This, and you
second year of active duty in tht
WAVES, should make all you
friends feel quite proud of you
Uncle Butch" included. Now i.
certainly the time to have your say
about Alden f. Robinson, SIC
since you can do so in perfect safe
ty. Norfolk is too far away to al
low sudden retribution.
Sailor, your opinions concerning
the late Harvey Gardner, and those
of Dribbles, are very closely relat.
ed. l agree most fully and com.
pletely in all that you have writer
on this subject. Many times oul
spoken expression of our thoughts