Although we have sat side by side for almost forty years, the details of his time in the Korean War have always been limited. It wasn’t until a quiet discussion about haircuts yesterday that Bant finally unraveled a few pieces of his daily life with the United States Marine Corps. At just a few weeks short of 90, he still sports the same haircut that he did in 1951 in Japan, only now he doesn’t need an armed guard to get a trim.
His story begin with a deep breath as he leaned forward in his chair. It was some time in 1950 when he decided that living in a tent had become too taxing. The military seemed like a much “easier” option so, like many others, he enlisted in the USMC.
A few months after boot camp while still on base, he noticed a letter on the board which read, “sign up here for oversee duty.”Bant shrugged as he told me that he signed up because, “time would go much faster” if he went oversees.
Three weeks it took to cross the globe by boat. Before heading to Korea, there was one stop to be made; Okinawa. Only two men got off the boat that day in Japan, which would by my grandfather and his best friend.
Bant spoke about the distance between where the boat landed and where they were stationed. Another deep breath in, “eighty miles,” he said as he leaned forward. “Yup, eighty miles, and it wasn’t easy.”
I knew in this moment that I had an opportunity to go further with his story, to ask some sort of question that would spark a memory but instead I paused for a moment. I asked myself, “is this fair that I ask for more detail?” For a few moments I just sat, allowing my mind to wander, when I realized that his must be doing the same. Finally, I spoke up, saying, “it must have been tough, I can’t imagine.”
“It was the simple things that made it tough,” he finally said. “If you wanted to get a haircut you would need an armed guard or you would have your throat cut.” Bant had seen and experienced so much more than he had ever led onto.
He spoke about how it was difficult to navigate the local population, which was very much intertwined with the needs of the military. The USMC did not provide a barber even though they did require short hair. Eighty miles the soldiers would travel to get their supplies and haircuts. As he continued on all I could do is sit and wonder how many of us think about war and realize only the obvious dangers but how many people stop to think about the simple things.
Today, pause for a moment and reflect on the simple things. And if by some chance you are getting a trim in your travels, maybe give a moment of gratitude for those who have come before you and their resilience. Until this moment, have you ever stopped to ponder how many men had lost their lives while sitting innocently in a chair waiting for a required trim while half way around the world and away from their families at just 18 years of age?
Today, my heart goes out to all those affected by the divided parallels of this world. My intentions are cast out into the Universe to fill the cup that is understanding, grace, empathy, and peace. Will you join me and do the same? In honor of Bant, Baker Company, and the USMC - thank you for your service.