Jean Peckham Kavale

The daughter of a career U.S. Army officer and stay-at-home mom, Jean Peckham Kavale was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She had more than fifteen years of experience as an editor in Silicon Valley, including Senior Editor with PDR Information Services. She was also a Contract Editor for Fortune 500 companies, including IBM, for which she edited the entire library of CallPath books. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Maryland, a teaching credential from San Jose State University, and a master's degree in pastoral theology from the University of San Francisco. Her first book, "Faith and Philosophy: A Study of Their Interrelationship," was published by Redwood Publishing in 1979. A second edition of that book was published by Cypress Publishing in 1999.

FROM THE AUTHOR:

An excellent film that inspired me to write "A Salute to Patriotism" was the very moving "Saving Private Ryan." When the opening scenes showing the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach appeared, I was reminded of my father's work as head of the American Graves Registration Command (AGRC) in Europe (1947-1950). Its headquarters were in Paris. I felt it would be important for people to know the history behind that resting place and about the diligent work performed by the U.S. Army in caring for the more than 150,000 deceased heroes of the European Theater. I did considerable research before writing the chapters in my book that pertain to the work.

When my father was ordered to head the AGRC in Paris (1947), the fallen Americans of the European Theater were resting in 37 temporary cemeteries scattered throughout Europe. Under his command, they were either returned home for reburial or reinterred in one of the ten permanent American cemeteries in Europe, depending on the wishes of the next of kin. The AGRC did the grading, constructing, and reinterring at the permanent resting places, including the formerly temporary one overlooking Omaha Beach. The civilian agency that took over the cemeteries in 1951 replaced the Army's simple wooden crosses and stars with those of marble and added structures, such as beautiful statues.