Tears.
Tears of joy.
Mothers embracing sons as they walked out of the prison camp in O’Donnell.
It was the most touching sight ever seen in this country. The defeated troops have been allowed to return to their homes.
The Tribune carries the picture of a Filipino private with his USAFFE cap walking with a piece of stick on one hand, to support his thin body. On his haggard face, was a faint smile. He had done his duty to his country. His family surrounded him and his mother was supporting his left hand.
There were tragedies too.
Some boys died on the train on their way home. Release had come too late.
One mother arrived in camp very happy. She brought a jitney for her son. When his name was called, there was no son. The mother was worried. One soldier said: “He just died, madam.”
Even Japanese soldiers watching the meeting between parents and sons who had served their country shed tears.
War is blood and tears.