Particles of dust in the air, reflecting in the sunlight, gave the illusion of twinkly stars welcoming home a wounded, but weary traveler, seeking rest from travails of the world, lying in the midst of comfort and relief. The same mid-morning sun, dodging fully leaved and stately oak trees, cast shadows about the ground, bathing the newly dug gravesite in the adjoining cemetery with the warmth of late spring. Preparations were complete to give Pvt. Jeremiah Jackson Tolliver, Sammy’s older brother, killed by an unknown enemy on some unnamed gravel road in a faraway foreign land, his final resting place.
From the death of one so brave, coming home to rest in a small southern Iowa town, came the growth of an organization formed to bring together those in need, those willing to share, and those willing to “love thy neighbor” in a story of community, gifts freely given, and a boys!
Join me, dear readers, in following the journey and lives of “The Boys of Nodaway Ridge.”
Nick Hall