It was November 1944—a cold, blustery day at the Philadelphia Naval Air Station, where I was training as an Arresting Gear Technician, landing aircraft on carriers. I walked to the base post office and tossed a letter into the mailbox. A letter I’d written to my best friend, Bob:
“Hey, Bob, it’s been too long. Can you get leave and come up to Philly on Saturday? The U.S.O. is sponsoring food and fun for military personnel. Meet me at the corner of Market and Broad at 14:00. Then we’ll walk over to the U.S.O. Can’t wait to see you. John.”
Bob was really more like a brother to me. I even lived with him and his family in Minneapolis during my senior year of high school. Now he was stationed with the Navy in Cape May, New Jersey, just south of where I was. But I hadn’t seen him in over a year. The U.S.O. event, I figured, might be my best chance to see him.
On Saturday I headed to downtown Philly. I stopped off for a quick lunch then walked down Broad toward Market. Suddenly the wind picked up. Dust swirled in front of me. Something gritty landed in my eye. I tried to get it out, but it got worse. Better get help. I headed to a nearby ER, where, after a long wait, a nurse finally removed the debris from my eye.
I looked down at my watch. It was already 14:00. Shoot, I’m late. Sure hope Bob waited for me!
I hurried to Market Street. There was Bob, standing with his back to me with a couple of his Navy buddies.
“Bob!” I said.
He turned around. “Hey, John!” We gave each other a big hug.
“My buddy here has family just outside of Philly who invited us for dinner,” Bob said. “We thought we’d hang out for a while before we head over. Want to join us?”
“Sure,” I said.
The guys and I had a grand old time at the U.S.O. program and at dinner. Finally it came time to head back to the base. “Boy, it sure was great to have a homemade meal for a change,” I said to Bob. “But the best part was getting to hang out with you again. Thanks for waiting for me today.”
“What?” Bob said, confused. “I wasn’t waiting for you. My buddies and I were on Market checking out City Hall while we figured out what to do for the rest of the day. I was surprised to see you. I didn’t know you’d be in the city.”
“But I sent you a letter telling you to meet me there,” I said.
“Never got it,” Bob said.
