I think today of the happenings of what seems like several life times ago and wonder about the happenings then. I also consider what I see now in relation to what I saw then. The media with their hype keep talking about the fast pace of life now and the "simple" life then. Fast paced? Simple then?
I was a pilot, overseas shot down, a POW, back out and back to the U. S. before I was 22 years old. Is that the simple slow paced life? I carried water in a canteen treated with a chemical to make it potable and now the "In thing" is to carry and drink bottled water. Is that much better now than it was then? What kind of chemicals are in the bottled water? The only people that I know that had it slow paced were those that were killed. That was really slow I imagine. I have several medals and have been called a hero. In truth, I was only trying to save my life. The only heros that I know are the ones no longer here and the thousands of permanently damaged ones! That includes the ones that were mentally damaged for in general it does not show!
I was in Europe in the 60's and went to the military cemetary close to where the invasion had ocurred. I stood and looked at the rows of white crosses that stretched as far as one can see. I really believe that this world would be a better place if ALL of the politicians had to go look at that! Not only them but also the people that think the world owes them a living! So be it!

I am not too sure that we have progressed very far in the things that really matter. I surely do not have the answers to most of the questions that I come up with but would like to put some up for examination by you.
I wonder why man is more cruel to his fellow man than most animals are? Animals kill to eat and survive. They do not kill, rob, cheat and steal for a "nickle" packet of a substance that will eventually kill them.
Why is it that I cannot learn from the experiences of those that have gone before me? I was and guess that I am one of those that have to experience most things myself! I accept some things as being true without having to go find out for myself, and then wonder why I set limitations on myself by not accepting more. I have less materially now than I have had since I was a teen ager and am probably happier than I have been in my life before now.
I have come to realize that some of the things that happened then that I thought were so terrible at the time have wound up to be some of the best. Solitary gave me the time to think, become aware of who I was and where I stood in relationship with my Higher Power! That was a priceless gift!
I would like to conclude this with a poem that I found that has better described my feelings about flying that I ever possibly could!