MWSA Review
This is a collection of newspaper columns written for a local paper which captures the stories of veterans who have some connection to Scituate, Massachusetts.  The book is organized chronologically by conflict, dating back to the Revolutionary War through the recent war in Afghanistan.  Only World War I is missing. 

The author’s ancestor, who was born in 1765, represents that earliest war where he often served as a substitute for others.  Because this Wheatley lost his discharge papers, he had to wait until age 80 before he was finally granted a pension for his service.

The Civil War is represented by three letters from one of three brothers who was involved with the Siege of Petersburg, which lasted from June 9, 1864 until March 25, 1865.  All three letters were written in the summer of 1864.

The longest section is represented by World War II veterans.  The author recognized that veterans’ stories were being lost and were worth recording.  His stated goal is to “provide some insight into not only the veteran’s service but also the times when the veteran chose to serve.”  (page xii)
Reviewed by Nancy Kauffman, MWSA Reviewer

Author's Synopsis:
"This work, fashioned over 20 years, is a marvelous testament to the diversity of those who have participated in American conflicts and of their many and sundry expressions of patriotism...a valuable historical record of martial valor that’s well-researched, intelligently organized, and lovingly offered. An engaging journalistic account of American military and civilian service during wartime."
—Kirkus Reviews

ISBN/ASIN: 978-1-55571-814-5
Book Format(s): Soft cover, Kindle
Genre(s): Nonfiction, History, Biography
Review Genre: Nonfiction—History
Number of Pages: 370