On Veterans Day we remember those who served our country, defended our freedom and gave unselfishly of themselves so we could sleep peacefully in our beds.
All four of my brothers enlisted in the United States Armed Services.
Reed, the Marine on left was barely 18 when he enlisted shortly after Pearl Harbor. He fought with the 1st Marine Division in some of the worst battles in the Pacific, on Okinawa, Pelalu and more. He returned home with malaria from the jungles of the Pacific with two Purple Hearts earned when he was wounded in battles. Though he never told us, I read in a Marine book that almost his entire platoon was killed and he picked up the command and led the Marines onward.
The middle uniformed brother, Emmett, was just 18 in the U. S. Martime Services and later enlisted in the U. S. Army and served with the occupation forces in Japan.
Charles, on right, enlisted as a Carpenter's Mate in the Navy Seabees and returned as a Chief Petty Officer. To look at their smiling faces on this Christmas Day, one would never know the death and destruction they had witnessed in the past four years.
My youngest brother, Sheldon, peeking over Reed's shoulder was a half-generation behind these three. However, as soon as he was old enough he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served during the Korean War. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer.
Only two are still with us. Charles died at age 92 in a house fire in 2006 and Emmett died of cancer in 1995 at the age of 68.
As the youngest in the family I have always loved and respected them. Today, I salute them for their courage and devotion to the United States of America.