Memorial Day: My Grandfathers

I just got back from the gym, showered, and ready for bed, but wanted to get in a post before I call it a night.

Confession time: I am a total night owl. I can train myself to sleep/wake early-ish, but I won't ever like. Also, it's better not to talk to me right away in the morning. I need a little time to get warmed up to life.

I haven't done much to celebrate/honor Memorial Day, but it's certainly been on my mind all weekend.

I was lucky enough to have both my grandfathers serve this county and live out their lives (otherwise I wouldn't be here). Both were committed, honorable men.

Grandad, my mom's dad, was in the Navy. He was just barely too young to serve during WWII, but spent several years shipping out of California.

Grampie, my dad's dad and lone living blood-related grandparent, was in the Army during WWII.  He had just completed his first year playing basketball at Oregon when the war started and he decided to join.

INitially, however, he was turned down. He was actually too tall to be in the Army. But he was finally able to allowed to join after having his mom make his uniform and custom ordering the cots and other equipment he needed.

So he went to China-Burma-India, where he worked hard and continued to play basketball. He avoided death with his company in an ambush because he was sick. And when he returned home, he continued to live his life with honor and conviction.

To him, and all the veterans and active military servicemen (people?), I say thank you.