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Re: Trail to Become Tourist Attraction

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: January 17, 2003

"59 years ago - A look back at Dec. 30, 1943

By Chip Womick
Staff Writer, The Courier-Tribune

'Randolph Rewind,' a weekly visit, or revisitation, with a person, place or news event from the county's past by Ramseur resident Chip Womick, is published each Monday in The Courier-Tribune.



Fifty-nine years ago today, our nation was at war.

The Courier-Tribune of Dec. 30, 1943, told stories of both the yuletide season and of the continuing conflict that affected the lives of people around the world. The news that day also was a testament to the fact that, holidays and bloody battles notwithstanding, the ordinary lives of Randolph Countians marched on.

Undoubtedly, the most sobering front-page news was posted under the following headline: "Giles Lamb, Prisoner Of War In Germany, Writes His Parents He Is Well and Pursuing Studies." The letter from the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Lamb Sr. of Randleman, dated Sept. 3, 1943, was printed in its entirety:

Dear Mom and Dad,

A few days ago I received my first letter from home. You can not imagine how glad I was to learn you are all well. I am as yet in good health, getting plenty of exercise each day. I am putting in 13 hours a week in classes. Among the prisoners there are several teachers. The Y.M.C.A. supplies the textbooks and other necessities. I am now studying Modern English and Economics, also the Bible. Arrangements are being made for us to get credit for this work in high school and college at home. This should be good news for all of you. I was baptized by my Chaplain on the 8th day of August. He has sent a letter to the Baptist church there on my behalf. I am continuing my studies, hoping I can prepare myself for a better place in life when the war is over. Don't worry about me. Give my regards to all. Looking for more letters from you soon.

Love,

Giles"