Danny.
Daniel Lawler in my classroom, 2011. Portrait by Robert H. Miller.
I’m staring down a stack of papers I have to grade, and the pile keeps growing higher. I’m too busy teaching and planning lessons at school, so like most teachers I know, I bring them home. I’ve gone through a ‘first look’ once, and that’s a start. But I can’t get into the rhythm until I write about my friend Dan Lawler, who passed away almost a week ago at the age of 90.
I’m ashamed to say I missed his wake today, and tomorrow I will miss his funeral. But I think he knows that I will be doing my best in school and elsewhere to keep the memory alive.
Dan Lawler was a Marine’s Marine, World War II edition. He was wounded at Peleliu, and then miraculously made it all the way through the Battle for Okinawa. Later he served in China to protect against communist insurgents; he had many stories to tell and I detailed many of them in my book. But what struck me the most about Danny was his devotion to his friend, Jimmy Butterfield, and Jim’s wife Mary.
They would come to my classroom and entertain and enthrall the kids, but it was always tempered with the realities of what they truly experienced. You see, Jimmy was blinded for life at Okinawa. But Danny always got him to come in to school, and together they told the stories that only brothers can share. They would rib each other, fun stuff to reel the kids in. And then the stories would flow. It was never an act. It was brothers being brothers and letting us in on the most intimate stories that would bubble forth, sharing with the teenagers in my room, who fell in love with them, and for the moment, becoming the teenagers who they once were themselves.
People I don’t really even know, who have read my book where both are profiled, have reached out to me to express their condolences at my loss. Of course, that is one of the downsides of getting close to the folks who fought and sacrificed in World War II. Eventually their time is up, and they have to leave us.
And of course, my sorrow is nothing compared to that of his family, but remember this- Danny, and all the survivors of World War II who managed to make it back, had stories to share. I thank God that I knew Daniel Lawler, and Jim Butterfield, who passed 2 years before him. But it’s not just a loss for those who had the honor of getting to know him- it’s the loss for humanity. I just hope, Danny, I did my part in keeping your memory alive.
Rest easy, Marine.
Matt – thanks for the kind words towards my grandfather. He was very proud to have been able to speak in your classes. He was a good Marine but also a good father, grandfather and friend to anyone. I plan on getting a copy of your book which just recently came out. I can see the smile if he were still here while adding the book to his Marine library. Thanks for devoting your time in remembering these folks both in the classroom and out.
Scott Lawler
Scott,
I know the Marine legacy is just a part of the bigger picture. I have all of the other books he’s in, a few of which he gave to me himself with his handwriting. So they will be treasured. Personally I think that my experience in actually knowing him, and his friends, shows that he was a loyal friend, too, and that comes across in the new book… not that I’m trying to push it here or sell it. I’m just proud to have known him and want to make sure that people know about him. Wish I could come today to say goodbye. Thanks for stopping by. Matt Rozell
Hello Matt, I did not ever get a chance to meet with you but I plan on doing that in the near future and thanking you personally. My Father was always so proud to be asked to your classroom discussions. He told everyone about it and again was very proud to talk about the questions children asked of him. Especially the one: “How did you know all those Japanese Guys in your book were dead. he replied because we killed them”. He literally told that story to just about anyone he spoke to about his book and your classroom visits. God bless you for keeping these young kids involved in this important history. Like Scott and my Brother look forward to reading your book. Where can we buy them ?
My Son Connor took after his Grandfather and became a Marine this past year and yes a Machine Gunner just like Pop. Pop was so proud of him just like he was of Scott and all his grandkids. He too would love to read your book.
If you ever need to reach me I am at 610-639-4877. tlawlergo@gmail.com I live in PA. My Brother and I still have the scrap book and are looking to get in into digital format in the near future (when we get some time) !!
Thanks again Matt and please send me your email address at school so we can stay in touch !