As the Great Depression waned, the Monahan family looked forward to a future of peace, prosperity and personal growth. But on December 7th, 1941, their lives would change forever. It was the beginning of World War II. An era of innocence quickly changed as it came to light how mankind could be capable of such unspeakable acts of cruelty. Although unprepared, the country rallied. Bonds with family, friends, neighbors and fellow countrymen were stronger than they had ever been in the history of the nation. Marilyn Monahan was ten years old when her world was turned upside down. Her brother, Matthew, just turned eighteen, the only boy in a family of six siblings, has been called upon to defend his country. Matthew and many young men were sent to places of indescribable conditions; places that were virtually unknown to them until that time. They were trained to kill, and this was against the commandment they had been brought up to uphold It was upon these men that the future of our nation would rely. Many of them would never return. The Monahan family endured many challenges and personal tragedies as they faced each day with faith and perseverance, waiting and praying for their loved ones to return.