From One Citizen to Another: Canton’s loss

By Guest

Dear Editor:

On January 4, Canton lost a member of the greatest generation. We have all heard of Tom Brokaw’s book The Greatest Generation, and we of Canton have been blessed with many members of this group. I would like to introduce you to one of them with this brief statement.

As I write, you will not recognize him, but to those of us who knew him the recognition will be immediate. You see, this person was raised on a Canton farm (yes, we did have them) along with his brothers and sisters. Like any other young person of his time, I am sure his thoughts were only of future employment and not of the brewing storm in Europe and the Pacific.

As the storm grew in intensity many of our young men joined the services, as did today’s hero of whom I remember. He did not single handedly defeat the Third Reich or the Rising Sun, but he did serve. You will not recognize him for he did not coach any teams, nor was he elected to any office. His recognition comes from what he was.

I am sure as he lay with his face buried in the sands of Iwo Jima, I imagine his prayer to his God was not for deliverance but to help him perform his duties as required. The hell on earth that was Iwo left a searing memory in his mind, but he chose not to share with everyone. His only desire was to remember those who served, those who survived, and those who shared their last breath on those beaches. I still picture him on Memorial Days when he would march in honor of those who had given their best and last.

A little side note: I remember we were giving a small party in recognition of WW2 VE day and he insisted on paying. On the fifth time I finally accepted his donation and gave it to charity. That was this person, nothing for nothing as to him there were others who did not have the resources.

We remember him being in charge of the ushers at the masses at St. John’s because this was important to him. He was the consummate family man, God loving and thankful for his country that afforded him the luxuries he enjoyed.

I know his God greeted him by saying thank you Paul for a job well done; you are in fact a hero of men.

To you, Mr. Paul Cash, I and many others salute you and thank you for a job well done.

Thanks, Paul, for the privilege of knowing and being associated with you.

Sincerely,

George Jenkins

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