Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary hears the 'Vanishing Voices of World War II'

Tom Brokaw called them "The Greatest Generation.” They were the young Americans who were hardened by the Great Depression, fought and won World War II, then returned home to start families, get back to work and hardly mention the violence and horror they experienced in Africa, Europe and the Pacific.

James Diehl, a writer and self-described storyteller, interviewed over 100 Sussex County veterans to ask what they did in the war, why they did it and if they would do it over again. His results appear in a book and documentary, ”Vanishing Voices of World War II." He recently presented his work to the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club. A second book is scheduled shortly.

“I just had a desire to talk to these guys and get their story,” said Diehl, who also has a day job as the marketing communications coordinator for Sussex County Association of Realtors.”What I found is that almost all did it because their country needed them to do it. Most didn’t think they did anything special, and they would all do it over again.”

Diehl said he was under time pressure because of the amount of World War II vets who are dying every day. Thus the title, “Vanishing Voices.”

Purchase Diehl's books or DVDs at Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach or call him at 302-222-4390.