Q&A: Finding the World War II Veterans of Marlborough

Long-time Marlborough resident Kathleen Lizotte Lynde has created a Facebook page seeking out the stories of local World War II veterans. Marlborough Patch asked Lynde about what inspired this project and what she hopes to accomplish through it. 

1. What inspired this project?

My love for history and the past. Forty-plus years ago when I found myself married with two small children and a husband who worked 6 days a week I needed a hobby that didn't cost me much but my free time. I wanted to know more about my ancestors and where they came from. I became the family historian. Knowing that my maternal family had been in Marlborough since 1861 and my paternal family since 1881 and my husband's family had been in the area since the Mayflower, the Marlboro Public Library would be a great source of information. About 10 years ago I started reading through the old Marlboro Daily Enterprise which was located on microfilm that the library had. In 2005 our house burned down and I was away from the library for a couple of years. I have finally worked my way up to the 1940's and started seeing pictures of soldiers, articles posted daily about the war and their experiences in combat. Life in Marlborough was changing every day. These soldiers (men and women) and the community made many sacrifices. 

2. Why is this important to you? Do you have Marlborough WWII vets in your family?

Since I have all of my deceased father's military history which he saved everything from his induction papers to letters sent home to his family and pictures he took while in the service my interest grew. I realized he wasn't the only one serving during WWII. Dad was the first to go from his family in January 1943, then his eldest brother, and in the fall of 1944 his youngest brother. Dad was wounded in Germany, his brother, George wounded in the Pacific, his cousin Clayton killed in France August 1944. Dad had several cousins in the service and many friends too. One of the first things they were taught (probably pounded into them was not to speak of the experience they were going through) and Dad honored that until his great grandson showed an interest in the military service. He would sit on Dad's lap for hours, Dad telling him stories, stories we as children never heard. So, I wanted to know more.

3. What is the goal here? 

My goal is to collect every picture and story I can. Most likely there will be too much for a Facebook Page as I have already noticed but I will find some way of getting this out to the public somehow. What I am collecting here is a great learning tool for anyone especially school students.It's not just statistics and facts it's real life. The life of their grandfather's, aunts, uncles and neighbors.

4. Have you gotten a good response since you started? What can Marlborough residents do to contribute?

Not enough people at this time even know it's out there. I'm sure when they find it they will enjoy it hopefully as much as I have. What can Marlborians do to contribute? Well, I am not knowledgeable in the use of the computer and run into many problems with sizing, maybe a webpage I guess that would be the help I need. As for the research this is something I have to do. I never served in the military service but I am the product of a father that came home from WWII and never got the counseling he needed to go on with his life and raise a family. This project has helped me understand the man I called, "Dad."

5. Have you been surprised, delighted or intrigued by anything you've found? 

Every day I read those old microfilms I go home feeling a deep pride in my family, neighbors, and country. Many times I take home the feeling of loss of those that were wounded and killed. It certainly has opened my eyes to life in another time.

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