Life's Reflections

Book excerpt: Thousands of books have been written about World War II. Most have dealt with the War's historical aspects, strategies, or the heroism and outstanding acts of the men who did the fighting. "1945" is not about heroes. In fact, it is not about "men"; its primary characters are "boys." By 1944, every man in his twenties or thirties had already been conscripted. Subsequently, almost all draftees at this stage of the war were eighteen years of age. To put this in perspective; in today's world they would not be considered sufficiently mature to buy a can of beer or pack of cigarettes. No parent likes to see his son go to war but these were children. In January 1945, everyone knew the war didn't have long to go and just as tension mounts towards the end of a race, anxiety and impatience became people's primary reactions to the news each day. Readers of this book will gain insight of the heretofore little told and appreciated emotions of the men in the Armed Forces and their families at home: hope, fear and prayers that it all would end before something tragic happened to a loved one who had been lucky enough to survive to this point.