Lou, you had just graduated from high school as an Honor Student and President of the Senior Class. You had plans to attend the University of Delaware, but Uncle Sam had other plans for you. It was 1944 and we were involved in World War II. On May 22, at the age of 18, you were drafted, joined the US Navy, and were sent overseas to Guam, an island in the South Pacific. Guam was just a dot on the map, but it became your home for almost two years. After our victory over Japan, you returned home with an honorable discharge, three medals, and a check for $100.
You returned home to Delaware, but not to your former home. Your parents had purchased a new house next door to mine. And the rest is history. You married “the girl next door” and it lasted for 71 years. You were part of the “Greatest Generation.” During the years before the war, you were an outstanding athlete, playing basketball with the Varsity team at the University of Delaware. An exceptional swimmer, you earned many swimming medals and trophies. You even had a leading role in your senior high school play, George Washington Slept Here.
Your Judaism was most important in your life. You became the choirmaster at AKSE for over 60 years. You trained Bar and Bat Mitzvah students for their special days, and often led parts 46 of the Shabbat service. You and I founded Café Tamar, an annual program of Israeli music and dance. You were one of the lead dancers performing for programs in Delaware and surrounding communities. You were an honoree for service to our Shul in 1993. You were also the choreographer as well as a singer with the Chorus of the Brandywine, a barbershop chorus of over 60 men.
You and I traveled to more than 27 countries, including 10 trips to Israel, often as volunteers. We were especially proud of serving in Sar-El, a program with the Israeli Army, in 1995.
Lou, this Veterans Day, November 11, is also my 95th birthday. Thank you, Lou, for choosing me to share your life, teaching me the meaning of “unconditional love” and the sheer joy of being alive!
Faith Brown
Faith Brown wrote this letter in September 2024 in memory of her husband, Lou Brown, who passed on March 30, 2020. The Browns are parents of three children, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Lou Brown died on March 30, 2020.
