Having enlisted for the Korean War, Mr. Patrick remembers the displeasure from his father about his decision and how this gave him motivation to do well.
Mr. Mercer tells the youth he encounters in schools the same thing he told his fellow comrades, “Do as you are told and everything in life will be okay!”
When all soldiers had an opportunity for a special blessing at Christmas time, needing to borrow his buddies pants creates an awkward yet humorous circumstance for Mr. Mercer.