MERRY CHRISTMAS!
By Christine Walker
Every year as the Holidays approach, my family and I look forward to watching a White Christmas with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. On the surface it may seem like just another 1950s Hollywood romance musical with holiday flair, but there is something much deeper embedded into the script that I never noticed until I served.
Credit: © Paramount Pictures | Copyright: © Paramount Pictures
The movie opens in Italy in 1944. Battle weary WWII soldiers relive memories of holidays at home while ‘White Christmas’ is sung accompanied by a wind-up music box and artillery bombardments heard faintly in the background.
The Military service of the main characters remains a constant theme as the movie progresses. Shortly after meeting the sisters of fellow soldier, they are drawn back to the Major General with whom they served under. The ‘Old Man’ retired, purchased an Inn and ski resort in Connecticut which has fallen on hard times due to the lack of snow. And no snow in the Northeast, means no guests at the Inn.
And so, ensues an elaborate scheme to save the ‘General’s’ Inn, bringing together all the troops that served under the Major General for a big show, just in time for Christmas.
The deeper message is, Veterans take care of their own. The camaraderie of those who served never ends, no matter where life takes us. It’s always been this way, and will continue be so, because we’ve got your six! My hope and prayer for this Holiday season is that we will continue the charge to leave no one behind.
From our Family at AT EASE! Veterans Magazine, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!