Just recently, while sharing and signing my books at Joint
Base Fort Myer/Henderson Hall, Arlington, Virginia, I met an unforgettable
person-Olive Rosen. Ms. Rosen paused to
inquire about my books, and to share some of her life history with me. I rarely pass up the chance to listen and
learn; especially, when someone opens the dialogue with, "I am such a
lucky lady to have had such a good life, and to have had such an extraordinary
husband, Colonel Melvin H. Rosen, United States, Army.
Colonel Rosen met Olive while traveling the USA with his POW
comrades after WWII...these brave men were spending time "refreshing
" themselves about what had taken place during WWII, while being held
captive. Colonel Melvin H. Rosen,
himself, was in the Bataan March. Olive
was a talented performer...a gifted dancer and singer. She and her best friend, Sunny Lane,
performed alongside the likes of Abbott & Costello, the Andrew Sister's, and
Sophie Tucker.
Olive and Colonel Rosen met, fell in love, and married. For years and years, they remained devoted to
one another. There years together
serving in the US military were "extraordinarily wonderful." Colonel Melvin H. Rosen devoted 35 years of
service to his country, to include his time spent at West Point Military Academy.
Meeting Olive Rosen was a gift. I am truly grateful to have had the chance to
listen and learn from Olive.