Veterans – Thank You For Your Service

Two years ago, I wrote a blog post thanking my Uncle Fred (my mother’s brother) for his service in Korea. Uncle Fred was wounded in Korea during the Chosen Reservoir Battle. He has a metal plate in his head as a result of that battle. I had planned on interviewing him this past summer about his time in Korea and the Chosen Reservoir Battle. As you all may remember, my dad had a fall and ultimately passed away this summer. My uncle is now battling with cancer and I may not get the opportunity to hear about the battle in his own words.

Uncle Fred being honored in 2011

I am also thankful for my Uncle Benny (my dad’s brother) who also served during the Korean War. Uncle Benny was taken prisoner shortly after he arrived in Korea and was a prisoner of war for 21 months. The picture was taken from a newspaper clipping announcing his return home.

Uncle Benny from newspaper clipping.

We have a lot to be thankful for as our servicemen and women work hard to ensure our nation’s safety.

Veterans – Thank you for my freedom.

My Uncle

Today I stood in the warm sun basking in the honor my uncle received just before the local Veteran’s Parade.  My uncle, a veteran of the Korean War, was one of six Grand Marshalls chosen for this wonderful honor.  I stood and watched as the Star Bangled Banner was sung and while locals spoke about being a veteran and what it meant.  I stood and watched as each veteran stood and a little history was told about them.  I stood and watched as each in their turn was given a plaque honoring them for their service and watched as they were each escorted to a waiting convertible to take them to the other end of town to start the parade.

I have never felt more proud to be an American than today.  Four of the veterans were from previous wars and conflicts and the younger two veterans were from Iran and Iraq.

My uncle was wounded and captured.  He was wounded at one of the most infamous battles in Korea, The Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.  As a result of this wound, he now wears a metal plate in his head.

To my uncle and all those who have served and are serving to protect and serve our country, I am gratefully thankful.