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Full circle: A handkerchief’s journey back to Tunisia​

Published April 9, 2025

At the North Africa American Cemetery, a quiet moment unfolded as Bruce and Judy Morrison, along with their son David, stood before the grand mosaic map that tells the story of the North Africa Campaign. They had come with purpose, not just to visit, but to walk in the footsteps of a man who once passed through this very land—Bruce’s father, Dale Morrison.

Decades earlier, he served in Tunisia during World War II. Like many who returned, he rarely spoke of the war. ‘’My grandfather died while my dad was in high school and never really talked about his war experience, so this is a rare opportunity for my dad to build a deeper connection to his dad.’’ David shared. “While here, he bought some souvenirs, including handkerchiefs that say, ‘Tunis 1943,’ which he sent back to our family in Iowa.”

The handkerchief traveled through time and generations. Carried first by the soldier, then by his son, and now by his grandson, all the way back to where it was made.

In that quiet moment, beneath the North African sun, a simple piece of cloth became a thread tying past to present, a gesture of remembrance, and a tribute to the silent stories passed down through love.’’

North Africa American Cemetery Interpretive Guide with Bruce Morrison
Bruce and Judy Morrison, with their son David
No image description available

About ABMC

The American Battle Monuments Commission operates and maintains 26 cemeteries and 31 federal memorials, monuments and commemorative plaques in 17 countries throughout the world, including the United States. 

Since March 4, 1923, the ABMC’s sacred mission remains to honor the service, achievements, and sacrifice of more than 200,000 U.S. service members buried and memorialized at our sites. 

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