Old Father's Ramblings

Ninety year-old Layton Warn's book is comprised not only of his touching personal memoirs about the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941, and his subsequent life in the army stateside, but also of his essays written later in life on the many topics that interest this intelligent and well-read man. The book introduces you to a twenty year-old who, during the attack, wonders whether or not he will make it to twenty-one! By the end, you have come to know an elder patriot who discusses in, often humorous and imaginative, easy to understand language, such topics as: war in general; the atomic bomb; Pearl Harbor compared with the September 11, 2001 attack; terrorists; economics; taxes; marriage; tobacco; and beans. You will be surprised by his unique solution to problems like the influx of illegal aliens or global warming. The epilogue describes his 2007 trip back to Hawaii and Pearl Harbor for the 65th Anniversary of the "Attack" and a survivors' reunion. Although was treated like a king and honored for his service, Layton Warn--a quiet, unassuming man--believes, "The way to become a hero is to be present at some great event and live another 50 years." Whether or not you agree with his views, you will be glad you met the man through his writings.