I have a note sitting on my desk. It has quotes about why stepping out of my comfort zone is good. This is one of those days when I read it more and more and push myself to complete the blog pages. Today’s pages are so hard because they all deal with Veterans. One is a story that was ended too soon. One story told of bravery and service only to deal with a sacrifice years later. And one story seems incomplete. And I find myself struggling through these stories of men who rose to answer a nation’s call. When I scheduled these posts a year ago, I thought it would be a great topic. And yes, I could just change what I have planned, but I want to bring these stories to you. So, I will take a break and then return to trying to do honor to these individuals I salute today.
Please take the time today to thank the Veterans in your life or who you may see. Their duty and service to our nation make our freedoms possible. Thank you to all the Veterans in my life. May you have a day full of happiness and good health.
I knew this story wasn’t gong to be a happy one. I just didn’t realize today was the day to tell it. Eunice had once told me about her Aunt Jennie who died too young after giving birth to a child. What she didn’t tell me about was her husband.
Jeannie Woods, sister to our Bertha married Ernest Bosque on July 2, 1921. Ernest was a veteran of the War to End all Wars, World War I. Ernest was also known as “Blackie” according to his obituary. He was a generous person willing to help in any project and generous in lending his presence and energy to his American Legion post.
I am unsure which of these men is Ernest, but know he must be among them. Ernest was a charter member of the Streator American Legion post. Ernest was sent with many from Streator and LaSalle County to Army training on April 3, 1918 to an eatern training camp, acccording to The Times a Streator newspaper. Each man was presents with a Red Cross comfort kit, which felt would be appreciated once they reached the camp.
I think Ernest was sent to France, in August of 1918. The time to transport was three weeks. And then he would have been in the thick of it. This war was dangerous and difficult, with lots of downtime and brief periods of fighting. The living conditions in the trenches were hard on the body and the soul. I can’t imagine what they faced day to day or the hardships they endured trying to return to their lives stateside.
When I first saw this card, I was unsure of what it was. It wasn’t until I removed it from the sleeve that I discovered it was a gas mask repair kit. While I want to discuss these memories of Ernest’s time in the Army, I am not knowledgeable of the struggles in the trenches and want to respect the equipment needed to sustain lives.
Ernest returned to Streator and married Jennie on July 2, 1921. Jennie and Ernest were married for a short time. She died on April 6, 1922 after giving birth to a son. Both mother and child did not survive. The newspaper reported how bereaved Ernest was at the death of his wife and child.
Ernest lived 2 more years before dying of pneumonia on January 21, 1925. Ernest “Black” Bosque was laid to rest by his wife and child on January 23, 1925 after lying in state at the American Leigon post the day before. His Legion brothers mounred his loss with sorrow and great sadness.
Please think of Ernest, Jennie and their child tomorrow on Veterans Day. May we remember them always.
