In Memory

Since it's Memorial day,

I would like to honor the veteran in my life;

my Grandpa Joe.

He was a Marine in the 1940's.

Yes, World War II.

He flew as a rear gunner in a

Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber

over the Pacific.

Photo Credit

Grandpa Joe passed away when I was six,

before I was old enough to appreciate him,

and the stories he must have had tucked away somewhere.

I've recently sent the paperwork to get his records,

I have two pictures of his squadron,

and my brother Joe and I recently found his uniform

in my grandma's basement.

But we still miss his stories.

In loving memory of my grandpa,

and all those that came before him,

and those that came after;

who sacrificed much -

to protect the freedoms we enjoy.

Take a moment to be Thankful,

and remember,

on this Memorial day.