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Sharron Bassano's avatar

This poignant story is presented in exactly the right order, Justin, framed perfectly with the photographs. And a finer ending I have never seen. "Perhaps he is laughing" but I imagine those twinkling eyes were full of tears. You and Jim Cummings were on the same path this week with poignant stories of war survivors.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you so much for reading, Sharron, and for the excellent feedback regarding the story! I always appreciate hearing from you and seeing your name pop up. I haven’t read Jim’s story yet, but I hope to get caught up soon!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Getting caught up! What a concept.. I have six stories waiting for me in my inbox.

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Justin Deming's avatar

I inch closer to defeat with each passing day…but I’m not willing to throw in the towel quite yet! 😆 Thank you for being here, my friend.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I hereby absolve you from reading my things for the next two weeks. Just heart me. ha ha ha

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Justin Deming's avatar

Hahaha! I’ll do my best over here. 🤣

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

This story touched my heart, Justin. My dad was in the Navy during WWII, and was at Iwo Jima. He rarely talked about his experiences, but he spoke quietly when he did. Sometimes when he was startled from sleep, he woke up swinging at an invisible threat. This was so thoughtfully written. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for posting this today.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Oh my goodness, Sharon. I’m so happy this story resonated with you. Your father sounds like a great man. Thank you so much for reading Salerno and for your thoughtful comments. 🙏

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Sharon the Lion-Hearted's avatar

Perfect pitch on this Memorial Day Justin. Am honoring my late Dad who saw action in the Pacific on a troop transport ship. He came back alive to give me life. But I do think about the countless many that didn't. My heart is filled up.

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Justin Deming's avatar

He sounds like a remarkable man. It’s difficult to process just how many lost their lives in wartime. I appreciate you reading and for sharing this piece of your heart!

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Matthew Murray's avatar

Very poignant. We salute those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Really appreciate you reading this, Matthew! Thank you.

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Stephanie Sweeney's avatar

Beautiful.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you, Stephanie! 🙏

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James Ron's avatar

Really liked this, Justin! Well done.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you, James! I’m happy you liked it.

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William R Dunlap's avatar

Excellent!

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you, William!

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Feasts and Fables's avatar

Pitch perfect 👌🏻

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you so much for reading, Barrie!

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Jason Duck's avatar

Lovely story. I missed it the first time round so thanks for sharing again. 👍

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Justin Deming's avatar

Really appreciate the kind words. Thanks, Jason!

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Jason Duck's avatar

You're welcome 😊

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Beautiful sentiment. Just right for the day.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you so much for reading, Jim.

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Patricia J.L. 👻🧶🖊️'s avatar

Ouch. That one hits the feels.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you for reading, Patricia!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Very appropriate today, and touching, Justin.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you, Mark!

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

A touching story. It reminds me that soldiers in combat do not fight for their country but for their comrades in arms.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you, K.C. And I couldn’t agree more with you!

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andrea tackach's avatar

Perfect for today and so beautifully written, Justin.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you so much for reading, Andrea!

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Conrad's avatar

Loved “Salerno,” well done, thanks for your gift!

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Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you for reading and for the kind words, Conrad!

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Conrad's avatar

Wonder if you’ve read “The City We Became”, by N.K. Jemisin… an interesting take on NYC…

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Justin Deming's avatar

I haven’t read it. Just checked it out and it sounds very intriguing…will be adding to my TBR list!

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