by JRR

Created on: August 09, 2009   Last Updated: August 10, 2009

Cast of Characters:
Grandpa- World War II Army Veteran
Adam- His 13 year old Great Grandson

Scene opens with Grandpa sitting in his favorite chair in the front yard, under the oak tree. The piece of wood in his hand beginning to take the shape of a dog as he skillfully moves his knife over the surface. Adam, sitting in a chair pulled close to Grandpa's trying to imitate the older man's movements with his own knife.

Adam: (Exhaling loudly in frustration.) I'll never get the hang of this.

Grandpa: (Chuckling as her looks over at Adam's piece of wood.) It just takes patience and lots of practice.

Adam: (Watching his Great Grandfather work easily as he continues to smooth the rough edges.) How did you get so good at carving?

Grandpa: (Continuing to work as he spoke.) My Dad taught me when I was about seven. I worked on it some as I grew up but didn't become any good until the war. While I was stationed overseas I found it a good way to relax and to feel connected to home so I began carving every chance I got. When I came home it was a way to deal with the memories so I just kept it up.

Adam: (Looking at his Grandpa seriously.) Can I ask you something?

Grandpa: Of course.

Adam: My history teacher asked us a question the other day. He asked us if we thought freedom was really free. He gave us one week to survey people and write a paper on the results and our personal thoughts.

Grandpa: (Still working.) Have you been asking people?

Adam: Yes sir.

Grandpa: What kind of answers have you gotten?

Adam: Some have said they never thought about it. Others have said yes because we live in America. Most though have said no because of how much the government has put into wars.

Grandpa: And what do you think?

Adam: I don't really know sir. I have thought about it a lot and it seems like there is more to it than just money. What do you think Grandpa, is freedom really free?

Grandpa: (Realizing the importance of this question and the sincerity in Adam's voice, he sets his knife and carving to the side, giving his full attention to his Great Grandson.) During World War II I saw things I will never forget, things I never could have imagined people could do to other people. I lost friends, I cried over the loss of men I didn't even know the name of. There were men injured, some permanently. Those of us who were lucky enough to make it home without physical injury still had the memories to deal with.

Adam: So a price was paid by

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>