 | |  | Patrolman Charles R. Johns
New Orleans Police Department
Louisiana
Sunday, January 2, 1949 |
My father was killed when I was just over a year old. I wish he had lived so that I could have learned from him. His wife, my mother Emily, never remarried and lives in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area today.
Something I feel compelled to share is the fact that every year as I was growing up my mom always had a decorated Christmas tree for me (bubble lights and bright ornaments). My Grandparents were always lovingly near.
I didn't realize till years later just what those Christmas trees meant. Although never letting me know, for my mom it was an annual reminder of my father's death, especially the taking down of the tree lights and ornaments - something she had to face doing in the days immediately following his tragic loss. I gained a true understanding of this fact as the year came when I wanted to provide a Chistmas tree for her. She said, "No, please, thank you!" Finally adimitting that having a tree always reminded her his death and the tearful time taking down that year's decorations. She's never wanted a Christmas tree of her own since.
One insight into who my father was is the story my mom tells of the day my father went deer hunting for the first time. A few hours after he had left for the hunt she received a call from him saying he was leaving his friends, and coming home early. He told her he had a deer in his gunsight earlier, but couldn't pull the trigger. (I believe they call that strenght of character and compassion.) I'm very proud Charles Robert Johns was my Father, and that Emily Rulh Johns is my Mother!! Charles R. Johns Jr.
This Patrolman was my Father
2009-08-04
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2007-12-30
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