Editor’s Note: We are running this SPECIAL MEMORIAL DAY post after getting permission to run…a family heirloom. I found out about it via an email by Bruce Page about his uncle. It drives home the real meaning of Memorial Day — in more ways then one. It’s about a 24-year-old British artist who had just won his dream job of working for Walt Disney — and who quietly left a mark on American culture that all generations of children now enjoy. And about his sacrifice — which triggered the delivery a very special letter he wrote to his parents, that he had hoped would never be mailed. Here’s the email, the pilot’s letter, and the art enclosed in the final letter of Gerald James, who gave the world his ultimate possession in World War II.
Dear friends and colleagues,
With each passing year, it seems to get easier, especially for younger generations, to associate Memorial Day with backyard barbecues, burgers and beer.
If only we had lived through the terror of any war, and been forced to stare death in the face, perhaps we would remind ourselves that Memorial Day is really meant to remember and give thanks for thousands upon thousands of brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in order that we all might enjoy the freedoms we have today.
Few of us have ever been so close to war, so it’s hard to think on this theme. But for a moment, imagine yourself in the early 1940’s, as a talented 24 year old British artist who has just landed in Hollywood and chanced to meet another talented artist….an American, named Walt Disney. He recognizes your talent, and puts you to work. You love your work…even create a new character for Walt’s growing enterprise…JIMINY CRICKET.
But as Hitler and war clouds grow ever larger over Europe… and your parents, family, neighbors and countrymen suffer deadly and devastating bombing night after night, you conclude you simply can no longer remain on the sidelines.
You return to England, join the Royal Air Force, become a pilot and off you go into the wild blue yonder to battle the German Air Force, the Luftwaffe, which has the overwhelming odds of 10 planes vs. every British plane. Your chance of survival…next to nothing.
Such is the story of my uncle, Gerald James, the creator of Jiminy Cricket. I share this story with you because as family heirlooms, Uncle Gerald left behind some precious things I have attached to this e-mail that I believe will cause to remind you of the real meaning of Memorial Day.
1) a “touching” letter he wrote for his parents just in case he was killed. He hoped it would never have to be delivered, that he could just tear it up on “Armistice Day,” meaning when the war was over. But sadly, it was delivered, and it passed down though the family to me. (Just a little note…he refers to “ops.” That’s an abbreviation for “operations,” meaning the next mission he’s assigned to fly in)
To me, his letter is an incredible reminder that so many like Uncle Gerald died in order that we all might have a “better world” as he described it.
And the letter is all the more precious, when I realize Uncle Gerald could have remained with Disney, could have become one of the most renowned character artists in the world, and made a fortune, but chose to make the supreme sacrifice of his life instead…for me, for you…for all who value freedom.
2) the original drawing of Jiminy Cricket
3) an original drawing of another favorite Disney
character, Donald Duck.
If you’re receptive to being inspired today, please open the attachment…read the letter, see the original Jiminy Cricket, and an original drawing of Donald Duck.
Bruce