Memorial Day: In the Pine Belt, Memorial Day weekend is about memories, Memorial Day reminds us that our memories are not free.
Memorial Day By the time I got to know him. He was probably worn out from raising nine kids in Buffalo New York. Where the arctic air would blow lake-effect snow into the towns around Lake Erie. Causing winters similar to ours here in Summit.
I have happy memories of traveling to his tiny home buried away near the train tracks in Cheektowaga. I was only able to view a wall of white following a blizzard when the snowfall was so deep. He would be either in his armchair watching the Buffalo Sabres or in the garage. Where the fragrance of his Marlboro reds had left a strong stain on the cement.
After his death, I discovered more about him than I could have ever dreamed.
I was aware of his skill in the game Pass the Pigs, in which you roll two little pigs and take a chance. The points you have accrued depend on where they land. He would always chuckle when my grandma would snort and kiss the pigs, pleading with them to be nice to her and her scorecard. However, I was unaware of his military duty in our nation.
Memorial Day I didn’t question my father’s statements when he and his brothers pulled out newspaper articles and began narrating tales of my grandpa’s valiant past.
My grandfather received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his service in World War II, but he never showed off his honors. Despite being reticent, he was a kind, compassionate, and resilient man. My father told me that his time stationed in Italy had definitely affected him. The friendships he lost while serving abroad.
We read a major general’s letter that described my grandfather’s heroic deeds that helped to preserve his unit. As the Axis soldiers surrounded and trapped them, he bravely risked his life to escape enemy fire.
Although my grandfather’s homecoming home was fortunate for me, many others do not have the same experience. Numerous people lost their spouses, fathers, and sons.
Lawrence Smethers, my other grandpa, and I never met. He didn’t pass away in battle, but he had to bid farewell to his wife and eight children far too soon. Before information regarding the destruction the bombs produced could be gathered. It was his duty to evaluate the effects of nuclear explosions.
I can’t help but consider the heroes of more than 400,000 American service members according to Memorial Day 2024. The US Department of Defense lost their lives during World War II. It is only one conflict. Countless battles preceded and followed, culminating in the loss of over 650,000 American soldiers in conflicts spanning from 1775 to 1991.
On this Memorial Day, please remember the families whose members are no longer living. Thank you to our neighbors who are still in pain over loved ones they have lost. Express gratitude to the heroes who fought for our freedom but could not witness the post-war tranquility.
Many people are presumably brave, stoic, and humble, like my grandfather Maciejewski. He didn’t want to talk about the experiences he had. I’m pleased I never pressured him to tell me more about them. But before he passed away, I wish I had questioned my family more about his service.
My understanding of the world we live in has improved since learning about my grandpa’s life on Memorial Day. It made me appreciate the Tenmile Range sights I enjoy every day. It helps me to comprehend why our backyard is home to a national monument where the 10th Mountain Division trained. Their tales inspire me to strive for excellence as a journalist, friend, and neighbor. Monday morning, before I go for a walk. I will be praying thanks for the life that has been given to me.
Memorial Day spend some time on the weekends thinking about all the benefits in your life. Recall the smoke-filled garage at your grandparents’ home. Remember the jokes and laughter you had with your loved ones when playing board games at the dining room table?
Treasure your memories and never lose sight of the fact that all of your joy, hope, grief, and happiness have a price.
