POWs, From the Civil War to the Vietnam War

POWs have fascinating (and harrowing) tales to tell after their captivity. If you ever need motivation to do more, or to solve problems, or just to feel better, read or risten to a POW's story.

Currently I am ristening to The Flame Keepers by Ned Handy and Kemp Battle. It is the Handy's story of his captivity inside of Stalag 17 during WW II. Handy clains he is no stpry teller, but this is just a very well-told and interesting story.

Probably my all time favorite POW book is John Ransom's Andersonville Diary. It is a simply a great book. How anyone survived that prison is amazing. I have never been there, but do want to go sometime.

This afternoon I was listening to C-Span's coverage of a talk by two Vietnam Era POWs on James Hirsh's Two Souls Indivisible: the Friendship that saved 2 POWs in Vietnam. It about Fred Cherry and Porter Halyburton and their 7 years as prisioners.

While I have not read the book (yet) the talk was equally fascinating and motivating. (Interestingly, one of the few people that they said they had not forgiven was Jane Fonda.)

While I could not find the actual show from C-Span, I did find other POW shows that C-Span has aired.

It is also worth noting that many of the POW stories have a similar theme. That thoughout all of it, they never gave up. Some of the other points that they bring up are also good tips for all of us:

• Look out for each other
• keep busy
• think long term
• remember your duty
• don't forget why you are here (an here may be on earth)
• count your blessings
• stay positive