My Father was born in 1926 and would have been 87 years old this year. In 1944 after his junior year, he quit high school because he was drafted into the army to serve in World War II. He was 18 years old. He was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division, joined the paratroopers and was shipped off to the Philippines. During a training mission he injured his left bicep on the the starter line while jumping out of the plane. He was evacuated to a hospital ship and was actually in Tokyo Bay in August when the armistices was being signed. I pay tribute to this great man and many, many others like him who have fought bravely for our country. May we honor them this Memorial Day with gratitude for the sacrifices they made so that we and others might live in freedom. I echo Tom Brokaw's thoughts as he walked the beaches of Normandy in memory of the soldiers who fought there in World War II:
"I was deeply moved and profoundly grateful for all they had done...I returned to Normandy for the fiftieth anniversary of the invasion, and by then I had come to understand what this generation of Americans meant to history. It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has every produced."
My Father passed away two years ago and received an honorary military burial. It was very moving as the veterans gathered and honored him with a 21 gun salute and decorated American Flag. It was a tender moment when they folded the flag and presented it to my Mother with these kind words:
"This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."
Many thanks to Nathan Perkes, his grandson, who so beautifully captured these moments. Like his Grandfather, he shares his love for photography.
May we never forget the many, many servicemen and women who have so faithfully served and protected freedom for our country. May we feel immense gratitude as we honor them this day.
