5/25: VETERANS DAY
I think it was 2 years ago I shared a message like I’m sharing now, so some of you may remember it. When my paternal grandfather was alive, he would often want to share stories with us of his time in the Navy during WWII. I’ll say it plain and simple, as hard as it is to admit, but I just wasn’t that interested. I wish I could say that I was too young to realize the significance of what I was turning away, but I was not. When I look back on that time, I don’t know why I not only never really sat and listened to his stories, but that I didn’t press him to tell me everything he could remember. Here I was, every month for years in the presence of someone from our greatest generation and I never really learned about what he did. As I write this, it’s a reminder of one of the biggest regrets I have in life.
I wish I could honor his service by sharing what this amazing man did, but all I can remember is that he was in the Navy during WWII. One of the things that I believe was going through my head at the time was…..I’ll ask him NEXT time I’m over. We’ve all done that with someone on some subject, I’m sure. Well, as we all know, at some point there is no next time. If I could go back, not only would I sit down with my grandfather and ask him to tell me everything he could remember, I would have documented it for him. But unfortunately, I’m going to have to wait a little longer until we see each other in heaven. Opportunity missed……big time.
If you have a loved one that has been in the military, take the time to listen to everything they have to say if they are trying to share it with you. Not everyone who has served wishes to share, and that is ok as well. But carry on their legacy with the knowledge of what they have gone through to honor their service to the country. As the greatest generations surviving members quickly shrinks, we are losing that direct contact to the events of those days. If you are privileged enough to have a member in your family, don’t wait another day to ask them about their time. If you come across a member in public and they are willing to share, listen to what they say. We forget that many of these incredible people were thrust into the war as teens, fighting for this country, fighting for their lives, and fighting for the people beside them at a time when many current teenagers are worried about how many people follow them on social media.
To my grandfather, Albert Squillaciotti, you were a great man to our family, a great man to my grandmother, and a great man to this country. You were a man of eternal happiness that maybe deserved grand kids that were more appreciative of your service to this country, but you treated us like your own blood from the time we met you, a time before I even could even formulate memories. When my time on this earth is done, I certainly hope you will share with me in heaven, everything you went through in your service to this country. Love you, Pop-Pop.
