Fresh out of high school back in 1943, Paul at 17 (my dad) joined the United States Marines Corps with several of his classmates. They were sent to Okinawa. It was a very tough war that my dad went through. He had to endure many days and nights in fighting against the Japanese. He was there about 2 years fighting and he did not have chance to get home until the war was over. He came home alone as his classmates were included in more than 50,000 casualities including over 12,000 killed in action. When the battles ended on Okinawa Island, he was stationed in China until late 1946 or 1947. He lived long enough to see his family grow and some grandchildren. He lost the battle with emphysema in 1994. He is sorely missed by his family and friends.
Today, my family and friends are proud of him and many dedicated men and women in the armed forces for fighting against tyranny, evil and oppression to persevere the freedom and democracy for us. This is a purpose of having a Memorial Day started in 1868 to honor civil war soldiers. It became a tradition for every soldier in wars after Civil War. It became a national holiday dedicated by Congress in 1971. Remember this day for the rest of our lives to thank those dedicated people for helping us! Be glad that you are an American, looking at the Old Glory (the US Flag) whipping in the wind and be thankful for the freedom of choices. They did not die in vain as we reward them every year with our thanks and thoughts of them every Memorial Day.
