AT THE STATION

This is not a picture of the actual train station.  It's been torn down.  But there's a great story about one.

Bob Greene wrote about a North Platte, Nebraska train station where the townspeople totally devoted themselves to soldiers passing through in World War II.  Story after story is interesting about the townspeople who for 5 years put their lives on hold while making soldiers on their way to the war theaters across the world comfortable as they passed through their town.

It's an America no longer here. 

A former Chicago Trib columnist, Greene has written several readable books including Be True to Your School and Duty: A Father, a Son, and the Man Who Won the War, but none that I have read by him is as poignant (I know; I know that is such an overused word and appears on far too many book jackets and reviews) as Once Upon a Town.

Without giving away too much of the book, most of the citizens were, of course, women since the men were off fighting.  They were ready to make the GIs passing through feel at home.  Food, music, company, talk--all were welcomed by the soldiers and when they'd meet others and have a chance to talk they'd remember North Platte with warmness.

For some, it changed their lives.  For others, it was a beautiful time before they gave their lives.

It's a good read.  Amazon or Kindle it.  You won't be sorry, although you may have an earworm for In the Mood, until you finish the book.