You Could Be A Hero

Gordy Van Stone, a 12-year-old boy, along with his friends, see World War II as a glorious adventure. The machines of war are exciting inventions. His four uncles who go off to war are his heroes. But then he becomes aware of the death, and the threats of death at the heart of World War II, and the realty of the war crashes into his awareness in a way that is life changing. The tragedies of war become mingled with the tragedies that come to his own life, the pain of which will end, just as the war must end.

Gordy Van Stone, a 12-year-old boy, along with his friends, see World War II as a glorious adventure. The machines of war are exciting inventions. His four uncles who go off to war are his heroes. But then he becomes aware of the death, and the threats of death at the heart of World War II, and the realty of the war crashes into his awareness in a way that is life changing. The tragedies of war become mingled with the tragedies that come to his own life, the pain of which will end, just as the war must end.

Arthur Rooze was a staff editor for 32 years, for HOME magazine, POPULAL MECHANIC, and FAMILY HANDYMAN. He lives in Fort Collins, Colorado.