I’ve been thinking a lot about my Grandpa Bill the last few days as Memorial Day has approached. Not only is he my hero, but he’s a war hero. It’s been a little over one year since he passed. A few months ago, on the one year anniversary of his passing, I wrote a true story on his behalf. Carefully, I pieced together the events that occurred on the night of October 24, 1944, in the midst of WW2, where he almost lost his life and would later be awarded the purple heart for his bravery. After countless hours of research and writing, this story helped me heal from his loss.
It also taught me a new appreciation for the men and women who serve our country. I found myself right there in the midst of battle with him. I caught myself feeling the fear that he might have felt. We are so lucky to have these courageous men and women make the ultimate sacrifice, so that we don’t have to. Did you know that an average of 22 veterans commit suicide each day?! My parents went to visit my Grandfather’s graveside a few days ago and there was a man performing push ups nearby. 22 push ups to be exact… in order to honor those men and women lost from conditions like PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injuries and the like.
Memorial Day unofficially marks the beginning of Summer and is often associated with sunshine and BBQ. But for many it’s also a solemn holiday, one in which we reflect on the the loss of loved ones who died while serving our country. Today, let’s remember why we are able to celebrate with freedom and good food.
In honor of my Grandpa Bill, I am sharing his story with you today. I’m proud to say that this story continues to remain the most viewed of all my posts, reaching close to 500 hits! If you enjoy it, please help me spread his gallantry by sharing this post!
A Heroic War Story: Remembering Grandpa Bill
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As always, thanks for stopping by! My little family of three will be celebrating poolside with some yummy BBQ today. What fun plans do you have for this Memorial Day? And what does Memorial Day mean to you? Please share your thoughts with me in the comments below!
Creatively Yours,
Lindsay ❤️
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