Every year this weekend makes me think about my grandfather. A part of the "Greatest Generation", my grandfather was a proud, yet humble man that served his country with distinction in the European Theatre. When I was old enough to appreciate the things he had to say, we sat down and made a deal that each one of got to ask a question. There was onlt one rule; absolute truth, no BS and no sugar coating.
I will carry that conversation to my grave, and will be forever grateful that we shared that afternoon that turned into evening that turned into one late, late night. You would think that the morning coffee might have come a bit late than usual. Well, you might think it, but you would be so, so wrong.
So, on this Memorial Day as like the past several years, I cannot say to my grandfather face-to-face, Happy Memorial Day. I do so wish that I still could. But, he did teach me what it means to be grateful for those that have served and come home, and to be humbled by the sacrifice made by the ones that did not.
To all of the veterans that have ever served our great country, I say thank you for your service. To their familes, I say that your sacrifices are beyond measure and beyond understanding for those of us who have not experienced it, but your sacrifice has not gone un-noticed. To all of us that proudly call ourselves Americans, I say Happy Memorial Day may we all be grateful to the men and women that serve us so selflessly.
Happy Memorial Day, Grandpa. I and my heart miss you.
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