Page 6 - July 2022 Issue.indd

The Sands of family. This started a search for the France and the sympathy card that
Sands of Preston. Aided by a good Major Gardiner had sent so very long
Preston, the Rest friend in Preston, Dr. Eric Cheezum, ago was finally on the last leg of its

of the Story… an important lead was provided to long journey. In April, Ellen and her

finding the family. After the publication husband, Greg and Elizabeth Lord,
of the article in the Caroline Review and myself, met at the Greensboro
Submitted By
I received several other tips, even a Historical Society to present Ellen
William C. Schaff ner letter (yes, people still do write letters!). Smith with the sympathy card that
These leads, coupled with research I had had made such an arduous journey

Many of you may remember hearing already conducted, located a niece, one to get back home. I understand that
Paul Harvey’s radio program “Th e Rest
Mrs. Ruth Ellen Sands Smith, daughter this card and other memorabilia from
of the Story” where he would unveil
of Louis Franklin Sands. Louis had also Alan Lloyd Sands military service, (14
a story, often stranger than fiction, served and was the recipient of The July 1941 – 19 June 1944) will, at some
right? Well, The Sands of Preston might Bronze Star. This family knew what point, be donated to one of the local

not measure up to that hype but aft er

it meant to serve their country, one historical societies. A fitting end to a
reading this you will “now know the
making that ultimate sacrifi ce. long journey.
rest of the story.”

Th e finder of the sympathy card that And now you know, “The Rest of the

In the April 2022 edition of Th e Caroline started this search, Mr. Dallas Gregory Story”!
Review, an article I had submitted was
Lord, and his wife, Elizabeth Lord, who
published about a long-lost sympathy
was so intent on getting the card back to
card that was written to Mr. and Mrs.
the family and started this quest, were
John Sands, Preston, Caroline County, close to realizing the goal of getting the
MD. It was found in an abandoned
card to the family it belonged to.
storage locker in a small box and the

finder wanted to be sure this important Alan Lloyd Sands, 12th Infantry, died
card got back in the hands of the Sands in battle on 19 June 1944 in Normandy,
JIM PHELPS
Re-Elect

REGISTER OF WILLS

• 12 years experience as Caroline County Register of Wills.
• Member of Maryland Association of Registers.
• Member of Caroline County Chamber of Commerce.
• Charter Member of Idlewild Ruritan Club. (past President)
• Senior Member of Grace Baptist Church.
• Member of Caroline County Farm Bureau.
• 2011 Caroline County Republican of the Year.

I have the endorsement of all
In God
seven Caroline County
We Trust Paid for by the Citizens for Jim Phelps -
Estate Attorneys for re-election Jill Phelps, Treasurer

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