18th Annual James Jones Symposium

"Memories of War" was the focus of the 18th Annual James Jones Symposium held at Eastern Illinois University, November 6-7, 2009 in conjunction with National Book Award recipient Tim O'Brien presenting the third annual James Jones Lecture in the Black Box Theater of the Doudna Fine Arts Center. Kaylie Jones (James Jones daughter) did a reading from her recently published memoir, Lies My Mother Never Told, and talked about "War in the Home", growing up in the shadow of her father, his experiences in combat and his knowledge of war. I discussed my memories of a year in the bush during the Vietnam War when I was a corpsman serving with the Third Marine Recon, being wounded and coming home. Which was the basis for my Novel Lost Survivor.

The symposium concluded with a student panel entitled "World War II Memories in Japan and Beyond" organized by Eastern Illinois University history professor Jinhee Lee which provided an opportunity for students to participate in the activities.

The speaker's presentations evoked emotions from many of those who attended as they remembered their loved ones struggles with memories of war. There were some Vietnam Veterans that attended, one came up to me, shook my hand and told me, "welcome home." A simple moment of touching and quiet recognition of shared experiences. Another Vietnam veteran told me of the anxiety in his mind and body he experienced, while I was speaking, as his war memories flashed in his head. He had received a copy of lost survivor from a family member and had driven over three hours to hear me speak. He said it was worth the drive.

Though I have been a member of the James Jones Literary Society's board for a year this was the first time I met with the full Board of Directors. They are intense, dedicated individuals to giving generations of students insight into the work of James Jones and knowledge of the effects of war. I am proud to be joining them in this quest and the collaborative effort with the College of Arts and Humanities, and the Departments of English and History at Eastern Illinois University in the establishment of a James Jones Chair in World War II Studies in English and History.

The 2011 symposium will be a major one as it will mark the 90th year since the birth of James Jones, the 70th year since the bombing of Pear Harbor and the 20th year since the founding of the James Jones Literary Society. The board will be working to hold the 2011 symposium in cooperation with the Norman Mailer Literary Society in Austin Texas, at the Harry Ransom Center which is home to both James Jones and Norman Mailer archives.

The experience of sharing time with the folks at the event and the Board produced a boost of energy for my writing soul.