Marching along…
With Independence Day once more upon us, I want to take the opportunity here to remember all the men and women who have served the United States through the decades in the armed forces. Growing up as an Army brat, I have always had a deep respect for the sacrifices so many have made in the name of freedom. I also got to see really impressive parades every Fourth of July when we lived on military bases, so I probably have heard every march that John Philip Sousa ever composed. I still hear Stars and Stripes Forever in my head every time I even think about a parade. Say the word ‘march’ to me, and I can’t stop myself from humming it. Oh no…here we go…..
So I thought today would be a good day to tell you about a character in my upcoming Birder Murder, because he’s a World War II vet and he makes me think of all the military folks that work so hard for us. In the middle of writing the new book (“A Murder of Crows” will be released in September!), I spoke at a Shriners’ dinner meeting. They didn’t bring the tiny cars they drive in parades, but they did have their hats, and though I sorely wanted to wear a fez, I managed to refrain from being unspeakably rude and I did not grab one from my table companions. In the course of our conversation, I learned that the fellow across from me was an ordnance officer in World War II. Being uncertain as to what ‘ordnance officer’ entailed, I asked him to explain, at which point he said “Explosives!”, held up his hands, waggled his fingers and said “And a damn good one, too – I’ve still got all ten fingers!”
Yikes!
Talk about a character! He kept everyone entertained at the table for the whole meal, and I realized I’d found the inspiration for a wonderful fictional character for my novel-in-progress. As I put together my WWII vet/explosives expert, I researched memorabilia and accounts of the various deception plans run by the Allies to confuse the Axis war effort. Ever heard of Operation Mincemeat? Or the fake airfields in Britain? I found so much interesting material, I had to keep reminding myself I was writing a Birder Murder, and I needed to get back to Bob White and his story. In many ways, my character is my tribute to the men and women of the Greatest Generation.
Happy Fourth of July!
