As long as we’re remembering...

let’s go back to a happier time.

World War II.

Here’s “Tangerine” performed by the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Bob Eberle, and Helen O'Connell (3:15)

Here’s “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B” performed by The Andrews Sisters (2:22)

Here’s “Moonlight Serenade” performed by the Glenn Miller Orchestra (3:25)

Here’s “Pennsylvania 6-5000” performed by the Glenn Miller Orchestra (3:13)

Here’s “I'll Never Smile Again” performed by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, and the Pied Pipers (3:11).

Did you know that World War II was the deadliest military conflict in history? Over 60 million people were killed. I could give you a country-by-country breakdown, but I won't.

During those terrible years, while the dead were dying, the living were doing what they do best:

Living.

Life is full of both heartbreak and ecstasy. It can be terrifying, and it can be wonderful. There are times of laughter, and there are times of tears. We try to put the terror and the tears out of our minds and remember the happy times.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that often times things did not happen the way we remember them.

But my mother used to counter all looks of incredulity with “Vas you dere, Charley?”