Richard’s Sacrifice for Hope

This was an extraordinary day for the city of Evansville, Indiana on Wednesday September 16, 1942. There was much commotion and activity going on, all ages were joining together to help the war effort. 12-year-old Richard Walker pulled his red radio flyer wagon down the bustling street. The wagon was filled with old metal toys, dented pots and other metal items. A few rubber inner tubes, some rope and a pair of boots.

The young lad was on his way to the federal building to hand in his contribution. His spirits were high with patriotism, having found a way to aid his country since he was too young to be out on the battlefield. The campaigns shown on TV and the newspaper rallied everyone together to help the best they could. 

As Richard finally crosses the last streets to arrive at his destination, he is shocked to see the monster pile that has already been collected by other citizens. Seeing others throw their stuff onto the growing mass, Richard follows suit and empties the wagon of its contents. Recycling the assorted items close to other materials of the same kind within the pile that has taken over half the block. As Richard throws the last pieces of metal and rubber out, a stranger comes over to him.

            “Nice Work kid, I can take care of the rest,” he says.

Richard looks confused at him, not knowing what he means until he sees him lift the red wagon and chuck it into the pile out of reach.

“Why did you do that? That was my wagon.” Richard yells, pulling on the man’s shirt.

“Every metal is needed; you are doing your part to help the boys overseas.” The stranger says ruffling Richard’s hair and then quickly takes off to help another group.

Tears swell in his eyes at the loss of his wagon, this was a gift from his older brother who had gone off to war with his friends. Feeling down, he looks over to see a young lady who is seated against a building. Seeing a notebook and something in her hand, he slowly approaches her.

The female stranger is sketching the scene of the scrap pile with a charcoal pencil with precise detail. As Richard glances at her drawing, the lady says, “That was a brave thing you did my lad, you will overcome this. A wagon is nothing compared to the boys overseas who are fighting for you and me.”

Richard dries his tears a little, feeling comforted that this will help in some way with their troops over in Germany who are fighting to protect them all. And maybe protect his brother who was drafted for the war effort.

“I wasn’t being brave, I just wanted to help my brother in some way. I am hoping he comes home soon.”

“We all want them back home. War is nothing pretty or grand. But what we do to help makes all the difference in the end.”