Promise kept
Kathy Strong, was 12-years-old in 1972 when she was given a POW/MIA bracelet in her Christmas stocking. She made a promise to wear it until the soldier named on the bracelet returned.
Strong wore her bracelet much longer than most. In fact, James Moreland’s name has been on her wrist every day, without exception, for the past 38 years.
“I just wanted to keep the promise,” Strong said.
At this point, Strong says keeping the promise means wearing the bracelet until Moreland’s remains are found and returned.
“I knew there was family out there who was waiting for word, and I was just going to wait along with them,” Strong said.
Strong met Moreland’s family;
Anita and Linda are Moreland’s sisters and closest surviving relatives. When they heard about Kathy a few years ago they asked to meet.
“To have worn his bracelet for so long,” Anita said, “we just love her to death.”
“She did care,” her sister Linda added. “And she still does care.”
The CBS News article reports that Moreland’s remains have at last been found and after 43 years, he’ll come home and to be placed between his mother and father with a small bracelet.
Thanks to Jerry920 for the link.
Category: Military issues
Oh my. I received a bracelet with SFC Richard Lacey’s name on it when I was 14; I’ve worn it for 21 years. I’ve spoken with his family on several occasions as it seems several others also wear his bracelet.
It won’t come off until he comes home, and the tattoo with 58k and the infinity symbol that has his initials under it will remain on me until I die.
Welcome home, SFC Moreland, and thank you, Ms. Strong, for never forgetting.
Reading this CBS write-up has almost driven me (way)over the edge.
It’s a tossup between ” she still remembers the name” and “they went the way of the pet rock”.
effin twits
And you, ROS. And you.
Yeah.. Thanks ROS!