Local author captures songs and memories of World War II
By Charles Christian
As the Greatest Generation ages, a local author captures stories and memories of the war that shaped their lives and the nation.
Glory Fagan, a longtime teacher and librarian in the St. Joseph area, has written a new book titled “Victory Vignettes and Voices.” As the title suggests, the book seeks to capture both the music and the memories of World War II with present-day memories tied to anecdotes from the past.
“The book was inspired by the Victory Vertical Project initiated by Steinway & Sons Pianos to air drop pianos to key sites during the war,” Fagan said. “So, each chapter begins with an excerpt of a song from that era and then tells stories of real people who lived through those times.”
Although technically this is a book of fiction, Fagan used stories of local veterans and their family members. So, according to Fagan, some names are changed and some characters and events are blended together, but the overall messages and stories represent actual people and events.
One source of information for the book is local World War II veteran Tommy Taylor, who is turning 100.
This is Fagan’s second book, and both books address the stories and lessons learned from the group that has been called the Greatest Generation — those born between about 1900 and 1930. Fagan’s other book, “Mairzy Doats”, is a fictional narrative based upon anecdotes from her parents, who grew up during the World War II Era.
Recently, Ashley Dawson, owner of Downtown book store The Story Collective, hosted a book signing for Fagan. She said she felt privileged to get to see behind the scenes as Fagan was putting the book together.
“I’ve been excited by her writing process and seeing her be inspired by the stories of World War II veterans and their families,” Dawson said. “I immediately knew I would love to have her share that with the community at a book signing.”
The book can be purchased at The Story Collective in Downtown St. Joseph or online, both in hardcopy and e-book formats.
