Sacrifices in war in order to bring peace might seem like a far off notion to many of you, but when it hits home...
My late dad enlisted in the United States Navy during World War 2. He got rheumatic fever that damaged his heart. He died in 2019 as a 100% disabled Veteran.
My late Father-in-Law was a Lt. Colonel for 20+ years in the Air Force, having served in WW2, the Korean Conflict, and worked at SAC (Strategic Air Command). He died bedridden with a bad back, damaged when he jumped from a plane.
My youngest son joined the United States Army while still in high school, before the war in Iraq began. He served 4 years overseas in Germany and Iraq, and another 4+ years in North Carolina in the Army Reserves. He arrived home fairly unaffected, though he has a story about 'burn pits.'
*Eric is on the left
Doing genealogy, my husband and I can count a long list of patriots back to the Mayflower landing in 1620. We recently traveled around New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey seeking graves and planting flags for our various ancestors who fought to keep their homeland safe.
Keeping these folks who gave without asking 'What's in it for me?' alive in our hearts and minds is how we never forget.
Enjoy the Memorial Day long weekend, but do not forget.
Nancy Lee Badger
