songspinner

On this Veterans Day, I am thinking of my grandfather. When he was up in Alaska guarding German prisoners of war during WWII, he got to know some of his charges. One of them was an artist like himself, although just a kid. (my grandfather was the oldest in his company, in his mid-30's) I remember hearing about how he talked with the boy, and how they traded artwork at one point, that the young prisoner made a portrait of my mom (a baby then) from a photo my grandfather carried, and that he learned carving techniques from the Native American craftsmen in the area.

I remember how many young men and women go into service for so many different reasons, and that person is risking their life to protect you and your country. And that human being deserves respect and support in the process of serving their country. That soldiers, in many fields of duty, do so much more than fight, and that protection for myself and my family is not something to take for granted. Ever.

So I'm thinking of those we know right now in the military - a cousin by marriage, several former students, a childhood friend, and not a few online friends...

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