On this same weekend in 2002, the Oaks were in this same place as we were last night on September 1, 2007. Lancaster, New Hampshire. The poignancy of this is as follows.

It was about a nine-day trip across the top of the U. S. of A. playing mostly fairs, as is usually the modus operandi for the Oaks in early September. It was on this trip that I began to write G. I. Joe and Lillie. I carried a bag full of pictures, war records, financial records, books on the 90th Infantry and D Day, as well as several maps. I also carried my Mom's handwritten diaries. I called it “Mommy and Daddy in a bag.”

Each day I would spread everything out on a bed in a rented room and map out a chapter or two. I would try to finish up that day’s work on the bus after the show. I remember praying to God, and I must admit my mom for guidance. I so wanted to get this right.

I had much good info in my steel-trap mind (I don't forget many things), and I had Lillie's notes as a guide map, so I knew most of this would come out all right. But it was the World War Two part that I had to get as close to perfect as I could!

I knew that many old Veterans might read this book, and I didn't want these wonderful people to say, “Well the Boy sure didn't do his research... it just wasn't like that.” Oh no, I wanted them to read this book and feel the respect that I have for this Generation who gave so much to the world. I am thankful that is how it has worked out.

Yesterday at the fair, a wonderful old Veteran by the name of Ivor Lund was in attendance. At 89 years of age, he had also written a book about caring for his wife Minnie until her death from Parkinson's. Mr. Lund sent me his book a few years ago AFTER reading my book. We have stayed in touch via e-mails and phone ever since—as I have done with many VETERANS who have become close to me because of G. I. Joe and Lillie.

Mr. Lund came 125 miles to the Lancaster Fair yesterday. His entire family brought him. He wanted to hear The Oak Ridge Boys and meet the man who wrote 'HIS favorite book of ALL time.' He sat in a wheelchair much like my own daddy did and clapped his hands and laughed throughout the whole show. I sang the G.I. Joe song for him, and he hugged his daughter and wept. No doubt reliving the war and missing HIS MINNIE!

Such an HONOR! Such a PRIVILEGE! Such a BLESSING! One little example of the many that have flowed my way because our Heavenly Father, with no doubt a nudge from Lillie Maude Collins Bonsall... helped an old Philly Boy write a little book about Life and Love... and War!

I am thankful!

Joseph S. Bonsall