It was December 1945! “Beyond the Blue Horizon” and “Red Sails in the Sunset” were two of my favorite golden oldies. Every sunset was a thing of beauty and joy. As the good ship MS President Monroe plowed through the white-capped Pacific, all 4,000 returning veterans counted our blessings. San Francisco was getting closer and closer. Just days earlier the ship’s chefs had prepared a wonderful Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. It was by far the best meal we enjoyed in months and months. Life on the decks of the Monroe was very good.

Music and lyrics make the world smaller. Music and lyrics make life better for families and friends. It’s now year 1946 and we are still a week out from the Golden Gate. An announcement boomed out of the PA loudspeaker: “Now hear this! Four nurses will perform in the stern lounge at 1900. Don’t miss it.” The gals imitated the Andrews Sisters, and what a marvelous show they put on. After a raucous “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” and other hits, a GI shouted, “Where have you gals been?” And one nurse hollered back, “Up front, where the good-looking guys are!” And that started the good-natured bantering back and forth, which enlivened the show—all in good taste ribaldry. Those four nurses were probably star performers in their high school and college musicals. The nurses and their pianist were terrific, and we all appreciated their efforts, talent, and sense of humor. At the end one gal said, “I’m a fan of Frances Langford.” She crooned, “I’m in the mood for love simply because you’re near me,” and we all cheered and asked for one more. It was “White Christmas,” and when she finished there wasn’t a dry eye in the SRO audience.

Special notes: A fond Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy new year of 2023 to all. Take care and stay safe.

—George Shimizu, 2140 Sepulveda Ave., Milpitas, CA 95035; (408) 930-2488; marymariko@comcast.net