Oh Beautiful for Heroes

I want to pay tribute to the heroes in our family, who have helped to make our country a land of freedom and liberty. In honor of Memorial Day tomorrow, I want to express appreciation for family members who have made the sacrifice to serve in our nation's armed forces. Most Americans will spend their Monday grilling burgers and relaxing on their day off, but is it too much to ask that we all acknowledge the tremendous burden borne by ordinary folks who fought and sacrificed throughout our nation's history to pay the price of freedom? You and I live in comfort today and we enjoy the blessings of prosperity and liberty because brave souls were willing to answer their nation's call to defend against evil and tyranny. We owe them our gratitude and respect.

"Oh, beautiful for heroes proved, in liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life!

America! America! God shed his grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea."

Grandpa Henry

Naval officer in WWII - Served on a gasoline tanker (i.e. floating bomb!) criss-crossing the Atlantic

Grandpa Drue

Unable to serve an LDS mission because he was drafted into the Army in 1942. Served in the Philippines until 1945.

Grandpa George

Served in the Marine Corps at the tail end of WWII.

Uncle Lonny

Served as an Army infantry officer in WWII. He later served, and was wounded in the Korean War.

Mom's Uncle Don

He served in the Korean War. Don flew over 50 bombing missions in his fighter plane.

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Dad's Uncle Max

He rose to the rank of Lt. Commander in the Navy and served in South America and Japan.

I hope our family will always remember the courage and sacrifice of these good men, and all of our family members who have served our country in the past. I hope we will appreciate and respect those who are serving our country today. Please live your life so that your actions and your conduct reflect honorably upon our family and those who have served so well.

"Long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light.

Protect us by thy might, Great God, our king!"

Love, Mom