Oh Marion, Ken's story brought tears to my eyes. What a special person he must be!
This surely is a miracle - that this extraordinary memento of Anzio should find it's way to you - someone who can appreciate & honor it's meaning better than almost anyone else.
I can't help but think that your Dad & the soldier who lost his life that day are behind the blanket's journey to you. I DO think so indeed! Clearly, it's a gift to YOU, dear Marion!
That blanket represents so very much - the death of that nameless soldier, the kindness of the soldier who gave it to another soldier who needed it, the great faithfulness of Ken who kept & honored it , to the point of wanting it returned to an American Anzio vet's family - and it is also a tangible reminder of all those men & women, known & unknown,
who suffered in the terrible place called "Anzio" 64 years ago. They were all real people:
the soldier who died, his friend who mourned, the Canadian soldier who survived & remembered - and they - like all those who were at Anzio who died, suffered, mourned, and survived - did it so ALL of us could be free!
That's what that Anzio blanket means - the sacrifices of so many & especially all the UNKNOWN & unsung sacrifices.
mary ann