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My grandfather served in WWI. He was in a bullpen (basically a fenced in holding area) waiting to be sent to the front lines in France when truce was declared. He was only a day or two from advancing to the front. Considering the casualty rate for front line soldiers, had the war ended a week later, I could very well not be here today.
He never spoke of it much. Considering he was a farm boy from Indiana, it had to have been eye opening to leave the family farm, take a steamer to France and then live just yards from the front line while waiting to advance. I have some of the memorabilia he brought back. Books of post cards of cities in France that were destroyed. A letter opener made from a rifle shell.
I knew several that went to Viet Nam. In fact, I knew one that never came back alive. He was a door gunner on a helicopter. Roy was serving his second stint when he was killed between Christmas and New Years. I'll never forget hearing the news on New Years Eve.
And then there are those that have served recently. They serve willingly. A point that is not lost on me.
They all have my deepest respect and admiration.
To any TFP member that has served our country, thank you. Not just today, but forever.
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