Is your relative or friend in this book?

Mary Alice Murphy has announced the publication of "God's Umbrella: Southwest New Mexico World War II Survivors." A compilation of 81 interviews done over the past 10 years of veterans and those training for or otherwise involved in World War II activities during the war years and just prior to and immediately after the war. 

Book readings and signings will take place at 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, and at 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Silver City Museum, 312 W. Broadway.

The interviews took place in Grant County mostly in the homes of those who agreed to talk about what they faced, with one each from Luna, Hidalgo and Catron counties.

In the words of these men and women who served in World War II or were otherwise impacted by the war, God's Umbrella recounts the tragic, humorous and other memorable parts of their service during wartime.

Humorous, you ask? Most of these veterans were in their late teens or early 20s when they volunteered or were drafted into service. They played or were subjects of pranks, which created levity in lives that they perhaps could not otherwise have tolerated.

Some of those interviewed teared up with memories or would not talk about the painful incidents, but they shared their words with the local readers of the newspaper, where many were first published. The photos, from their service days and when interviewed, provide a small sliver of history from the four counties of the southwestern-most corner of New Mexico.

This book recognizes the sacrifices veterans and their families have made in service to country to preserve our freedoms. May we never forget their selfless actions.

Still wondering if you know someone in the book? Some of the last names are Johnson, Baca, Harrison, Hill, Salas, Gose, McBride, Duran, Rodriguez, Leyba, Soto, Vasquez, Huff, Ryan, Nuñez and Stailey. 

The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting the region's unique history. Admission is free; suggested donation $5. For more information, phone the museum at (575) 538-5921, email info@silvercitymuseum.org, or visit the museum's website here.