![]() ![]() And then they recalled how abandoned they felt when they caught word of the anti-war movement back home. ![]() The latter usually took priority, since a good set of teeth would do little for a dead soldier. They told of how each soldier was given only one toothbrush and forced to choose between proper dental hygiene and cleaning their rifles before a shootout. Lee ran from soldier to soldier after a battle, bandaging them and commanding them to stop crying by stating matter-of-factly, "You're not going to die." Injured men who for weeks had seen nothing but the unceasing fire of mortars found comfort in his unequivocal words. Some of the stories were more somber. There was the time Mr. Nordeen but was never able to bring himself to share. Lee's mother sent Chinese beef jerky in CARE packages from San Francisco Chinatown, he would show his food to Mr. Apparently, this medic was not a skilled poker player. Lee routinely losing his wartime paycheck which was paid out in military script (read: Monopoly money) within hours of receiving it. Perhaps it was the result of their shared experiences or perhaps some other reason exists, but after 48 years of no communication, these two men were able to pick up where they left off, quick to crack jokes at one another's expense, all the while telling stories in a manner that revealed their mutual respect. As the night progressed, it became increasingly apparent that this friendship was special. They were friendly, welcoming and obviously genuine. Taking a seat between these two gentlemen at dinner, I felt immediately at ease. After a week of shared laughter and reminiscing for the first time in 48 years, they concluded the reunion with a delicious celebration dinner at Tai Yuan, a Chinese seafood restaurant in Daly City. Their families spent this past week together catching up in sunny California. Kay Lee. Within four days and after 20,000 shares of this article telling their story, we, the Internet, reunited them. John Nordeen mistakenly phoned my home looking for his old wartime friend, Mr. This year, the celebration was a bit different and ever so meaningful. In this regard, the Mid-Autumn Fest holds greater significance for Chinese families than even Christmas or the lunar new year. Coming from a large, gregarious family, this day, for me, often meant multiple dinners out, sharing moon cakes with grandparents and cousins, and, as I grew older, calling my parents and brother so that we could all "pray" to the moon at the same time. Traditionally a harvest celebration, Chinese families still view this holiday as a symbol of reunion, a time to count one's blessings and be thankful for family and good friends. Today is 中秋節 or what Hong Kongers call Jung Chau Jit, the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. ![]()
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