Heroes - A Short Story Collection

Anchors Aweigh

Here we mark the price of freedom

Author's Note: To all the heroes of World War II, especially those who served in the US Navy, this story is respectfully dedicated. To them we owe our undying gratitude. ~ Samaria Joy

The wild cries of the seagulls and the thunderous crash of the waves mingled with the deep voices of the sailors and the shrill boatswain's whistle sent the blood racing through Linda's veins. The salty sea air blew, whipping her runaway locks around her face. She took a deep breath, savoring the refreshing feel of ocean atmosphere. Though born and raised a Virginia country girl, she had always longed for the ocean. She seemed to be a part of the sea itself- the wild and free Atlantic. How she had dreamed of one day seeing its icy waters! Now here she was at long last. As war raged overseas, America was preparing to go to the aid of her allies. The most powerful of all nations, America would soon be speeding across the ocean to answer the cries of distress. An effort such as this would require the aid of all people, young old, men and women in whose hearts beat the patriotic love of freedom.

Linda showed her visitor's pass and entered the gates of Norfolk- the world's largest naval base- for the first time. She was totally unprepared for what she saw. Her jaw dropped as she stared at the massive aircraft carriers, submarines, battleships, and destroyers anchored in the bay. The line of vessels stretched for miles.

"Linda!" A friendly voice interrupted her reverie and she looked up to see a young man in a navy uniform. In spite of his impressive height and muscular build, he had a boyish face. He held his head high, his deep blue eyes shining. He removed his white sailor's hat, revealing dark brown hair that would be curly if not for his military haircut.

"Jim? Is that you?"

"You bet it's me!" Jim laughed. "Don't tell me you've forgotten me since I left!"

"Of course not!" Linda protested, "It's just that- that you look so different... in your uniform."

The young sailor grinned and pointed to a massive ship out in the bay. "That's the USS Bunker Hill, one of our aircraft carriers. Isn't she a beauty? She's my ship," There was pride in his voice as he showed her, "It can hold twenty-six hundred men and nearly a hundred aircraft."

"Whoa... twenty-six hundred?!" Linda's eyes were opened wide with astonishment as she and Jim walked slowly towards the carrier.

Linda Miller and Jim Davies had grown up together on neighboring farms in Virginia, a few hours from the coast. Best friends for as long as they could remember, it had been hard to part when Jim enlisted in the Navy, a couple months ago. He had written not long ago asking Linda to come and visit him soon. He had enclosed a visitor's pass to the base and as soon as she was able, Linda had boarded a train and gone out to Norfolk. One day was all she could manage to be away. The farm was always busy and nursing school was demanding.

The days flew past as did the letters between them. In spite of busy schedules they always found time to write. As the war raged overseas, the Navy prepared to send more ships out. They tried also to recruit nurses for the hospital ships. Linda happened upon a nurse recruiting poster one day and knew instantly she wanted to participate. She would be continuing the work she loved out on the ocean she loved. She would take this chance to help her country's cause and make her dream come true.

Dear Linda,

It was great to be with you last weekend! How's nursing school going? I hope you get that position you wanted at the doctor's office.

We've been training the past few weeks for when we go overseas in the future. The war's getting pretty bad over there and I'm anxious to get in on the action.