By Doug La Rocque
Petersburgh resident and highly decorated Korean War veteran John (Red) Parkinson stopped by the Open House at the Petersburgh Public Library to drop off a signed copy of the new book Devotion, the latest effort by New York Times bestselling author Adam Makos. The book chronicles the heroics of two pilots and the Marines who struggled simply to survive the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. [private]
Parkinson is one of the very few left alive today to tell of the horrors of that fight. The marine collaborated with Makos for four years, telling the story of the fierce battle fought in temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero. Speaking with The Eastwick Press, Parkinson related some of the struggles his unit suffered through, such as having to survive for days on a single can of ham. He talks with pride about his friendship with Navy Captain Tom Hudner and Ensign Jessie Brown, the pilots who along with Red are the subject of the book. The Korean War is often referred to as “the forgotten war.” Parkinson calls it “the forgotten victory.” Though a half century later he is still troubled with nightmares of the battle, he beams when he tells you, “we saved a country for them.” Parkinson feels so little attention was paid to the war and those who fought it, “because it came so close on the heels of World War II, and the people of this country were so sick of war.”
For his heroics at the Chosin Reservoir, Parkinson received the Silver Star, a Bronze star and two Purple Hearts. Of the 96 men in his unit, only six lived through the battle. Today, he is the only surviving member. Parkinson will be the guest speaker at the Library for a book signing on Wednesday, March 16. The Library now has two copies of Devotion to lend out, including the one signed by Red. It is described as an epic story of heroism, friendship and sacrifice. Makos is the author of the best seller, A Higher Call.
Can You Identify The People In These Pictures?
Library Director Sharon Hodges is asking for help from people of the community to identify a number of people, places and bridges in a collection of photographs donated to them. The pictures can be viewed at the library or on their website. Hodges also would like to point out that the Library is about to enter its 60th year since it was chartered as a Public Library in 1956. Since then, it has grown to two floors and a basement full of books, old and new, tapes and a number of displays. The Library also hosts a preschool children’s reading hour every Tuesday morning, led by three retired elementary school teachers. Hodges says Petersburgh is one of the top rated libraries in the 29 member Upper Hudson Library System, and as a member, has access to all resources the member libraries have to offer. It also has an extensive section devoted to local history and genealogy, most of which is also available on its web site, at www.petersburghpubliclibrary.org. It is also one of the public buildings in town that can be fully powered by a generator in case of emergencies.
Petersburgh Library Events
submitted by Sharon Hodges
The Petersburgh Public Library invites everyone to join the library and Girl Scouts in making scarves for the homeless. On Wednesday, February 17 from 6 to 7:30 pm join us in making no-sew scarves to be given to an organization which provides services for the homeless.
There will be no story hour on Tuesday, February 16, but will resume on February 23. All preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, puzzles, crafts, activities and snacks.
The book group is reading “Offshore” by Penelope Fitzgerald. Please stop by the library if you would like a copy of the book to read. The discussion will be on Wednesday, March 9 at 7 pm.
All knitters are invited to join the group which meets on Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 to 5 pm. Stop by even if you can only stay a short while and see what projects others are doing[/private]