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In the United States today, it’s Memorial Day, a day when we remember our veterans, with a special focus on our fallen veterans. Today is a day of quiet contemplation for me, more for what might have happened that for what did happen.
First, my grandfather fought in World War II. He was in a bomber squadron, though honestly, I don’t know which one. Growing up, my grandma said he was in the same type of aircraft as the Enola Gay was, and that he was a co-pilot, and in looking back, I think it was because of him that I developed my love for history.
He served and he came home, and he never told me anything about his time in the service. He was bucked by a bull and developed Parkinson’s disease before I was old enough to get to know him very well.
Photo from my personal collection, my grandfather Edwin is on the far right, top row
Second, I was in the Navy. I served for 4 years in peace time, though in 1995, I was stationed in Seoul, South Korea and there was a rumor the North Koreans were going to attack the South that year. Thankfully, it didn’t happen.
And though I am VERY thankful for no skirmishes happen to my grandfather, and to me, I am most thankful for a near-miss that happened to my brother Paul. My brother was a Marine security guard, and he was scheduled to cover for one of his friend’s watches in another part of Africa. He was stationed in Lagos, Nigeria and he was scheduled to leave on the 9 AM flight after a 7 AM shift changeover. The person who was supposed to relieve him didn’t show up on time, and my brother never left. The guy that went in his place was blown to bits in an embassy bombing.
That could have been my brother.
I am thankful my brother was safe then, and that he’s now had 2 beautiful children and a wonderful wife.
And I am thankful to the Marine who went in my brother’s place. Though I’m sure my brother knows his name and his face and can remember all about him, all I know is that my brother was spared.
I am also VERY thankful to all of the men and women who have given their life to give me the ability to express myself on this blog, and in this country. It’s amazing to me to think people died for something I take so for granted, the freedom of speech.
And lastly, I am very thankful to all those who continue to serve, to protect the country I live in, and the freedoms I have and probably take for granted.
This post, this Memorial Day, is dedicated to you.
Phil,
A very meaningful post. My uncle also served in WW II, as a B-17 pilot. He was shot down & killed on his 24th mission. (Crewmembers could come home after 25 missions.) My father was an infantryman in Korea during the first brutal months of that war. Within 2 months, 3 of his 4 best friends were dead. He has 5 wounds and is now permanently disabled. Despite his injuries he enjoyed a successful career as a teacher & school administrator.
I retired last July after 20-plus years in the USAF. I served at Osan in 1995 and I remember all the tension that year, too. I’d like to add my thanks to you and all those who have served, and especially to those who still stand in harm’s way for us.
To those who offer their thanks to us, “You’re welcome. It was our honor.”
“The highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country” – General George S. Patton Jr.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice Phil. Amazing situation involving your brother Paul. I can imagine he probably found a new level of appreciation for the gift we sometimes take for granted- life. These stories have a way of putting life’s day-to-day problems and mini “crisises” in their proper place and perspective.
Thanks again.
991 days ago
[...] last look back at Memorial Day: Phil Gerbyshak at Slacker Manager gives us “Memorial Day Gratitude,” some gratitude expressed for veterans — including several members of his own family — [...]
Well said, Phil. Thanks for the article and thanks for your service and the service of those in your family.