Fighting for freedom and family

FAMILY TALK JIM PRIEST

The voice on the radio was familiar but solemn. “December 7th, 1941, a day that will live in infamy”, intoned President Franklin D. Roosevelt, telling America about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Hundreds died in the attack, but many survived, with hopes intact.

Nineteen year old seaman first class, Ken Goeser, was one of the hopeful survivors. His ship, the USS Raleigh, was damaged and took on water. Goeser was thrown down a stairway to another deck, but he scrambled topside and helped save the ship. By doing so, Ken Goeser also saved his engagement ring.

Ken was planning to propose to his girl friend, Alice Forster, as soon as he got home. He bought an engagement ring in anticipation and stowed it in his locker on the Raleigh. He never imagined he would run the risk of losing the ring, his ship and his life before he could pop the question.

But all survived. Ken’s daughter picks up the story:

"Three weeks later, on December 22nd, the Raleigh was towed into the Navy Yard for repairs. This is probably around the time that Dad was able to retrieve Mom's engagement ring from his soggy locker. The Raleigh returned to the states for on March 1, 1942. Dad proposed to Mom, with the soggy, oily engagement ring box and lovely ring, on April 2, 1942. It looks like he didn't waste any time in proposing once he had a chance to hold her again.

I thought the story of Mom's engagement ring being "sunk" at Pearl Harbor was really neat. I didn't understand why Dad didn't want to talk about it. But when my husband Bob and I visited Pearl Harbor years later, I understood more fully why Dad didn't want to talk about that time in his life. The horror and pandemonium of that day was something I don't think he ever forgot. Looking at the place where the Raleigh was moored so long ago I experienced a deep closeness with Dad. Although it had been nearly 25 years since his death, I could feel his presence and his love."

Ken and Alice’s engagement ring survived Pearl Harbor, and their marriage survived until Ken’s death in 1970. I’m sure the Goesers would agree with wise King Solomon who wrote in the Old Testament book, Song of Songs, “Many waters cannot quench the flame of love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of one’s house, it would be utterly scorned.”(SOS 8:7)

This week, as we remember the sacrifices made at Pearl Harbor, let’s give thanks for the men and women who fought valiantly for our freedom in the past, and who do so today. Give thanks also, for those you know who have fought hard on behalf of their families, persevering through tough times in marriage, and difficult days of child rearing. The freedom and the families we enjoy are bought at a price. Give thanks and fight hard for both.