What can I write about a man I never knew, but who has played such an important part in my life? My Great-Uncle, Clarence Young, died during World War I. But I grew up hearing of him, seeing his photographs, visiting his grave in Lebanon, Kentucky, and loving him very much.
My first visit to Lebanon was with Mom, Daddy and us kids when I was probably five or six years old. They had told me all about Uncle Clarence, and how he had died during the first World War. When they told me that we would be visiting his grave, I took my twenty-five-cents allowance and bought a small flag to put on his grave.
After that, each time I've visited, I always bring a flag for Clarence.
(he is knealing on the far right)
My Grandmother never spoke of her older only-brother. I believe she felt that if she didn't speak of something, she could put it out of her mind. But my Aunt Frances has given me several old photographs of him, and a letter that he had sent home. I even have a dance program from an Army dance he had attended.
I love to look at the old photographs of Clarence. So young, so bright, so handsome. When I look at the photos, I almost feel as if I really had known him. Because of my early visits to Lebanon and because of the photos that have been iven to me, I feel our lives have touched and have been connected. He is as much a part of my family history as those in the family who I do know ... and I love him every bit as much. And maybe, just maybe, one day when all our lives are over, I'll get to meet Clarence. And I think he'll probably say, "So you're the little girl who brought me all those flags!".
