Happy Veteran’s Day!

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The older man shot up from his seat, stood at attention, and saluted as the American flag marched on in the parade. After it went by, he sat down. Each flag that approached, he repeated the process. It did not matter if someone was carrying it or if it was on a vehicle. He stood.

Fast forward a few years. The elderly man, now fighting late-stage Parkinson’s and dementia, sat in his lawn chair, ready to watch the parade. As a flag came close, he tried to stand, but his arms and legs wouldn’t cooperate. His wife and daughter softly encouraged him that it was okay not to stand. With reluctance, he sank back into his seat. There are times in battles that soldiers have to retreat, and the time had come for this Vietnam veteran to retreat.

That man was my grandpa. He loved his country, and he almost gave his life for it. During the Tet Offensive, a rocket dropped into the building he was in. The man near Grandad did not make it, and Grandad’s injuries were severe. He found out later that the first helicopter who tried to rescue him was shot down. Everyone on board died. They gave their lives for those they were trying to help.

Shortly before Grandad left for the tour in Vietnam where he was wounded.

Freedom is not free. It costs many their lives. May we not take for granted the freedom we have in this great country of ours. If you see a veteran today, please thank him or her for their service.

Grandad wasn’t a believer when that rocket hit the building in January of 1968. His life was spared, and he surrendered to Jesus on October 27th, 1978. Grandad is now with his Savior.

May we take time this Veteran’s Day to remember those who have served our country, and some gave their all.

Love,
Sarah

Grandad and GiGi right before their 50th anniversary

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another,
as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:12-13

20 thoughts on “Happy Veteran’s Day!”

  2. Thank you Sarah, for this very touching story from your own heritage! It is truly inspiring the commitment and loyalty so many have demonstrated. May God help us to make the application for our heavenly King!

  3. Oh wow! Please tell Gigi thank you since I can’t thank your Grandad. Praise the Lord he is rejoicing in Heaven!

  4. That is such a great story. My dad was an Army medic and helped the people injured in the Tet Offensive.

  6. Very nice tribute. My father and his four brothers all fought in WW2 and fortunately all came home. All of the soldiers of that era have done and seen so much that we can’t (fortunately) imagine.

  7. The resemblance is so strong between you and your grandfather in that picture of him as a young man.

  8. Beautiful post, Sarah. Thank you for sharing.
    I greatly appreciate the service of your Grandad and all those who have served so we can enjoy freedom–including my precious Daddy (now in Heaven) who served in WWII and Korea.

    I make an effort to stop and thank Veterans I see when I’m on errands (many older men wear hats that say Veteran, and that always gets my attention). There have been a few men who’ve actually gotten tears when I’ve thanked them. May God bless them all.

    Love, Mrs. Patti

    1. Mrs. Patti,

      That’s amazing your dad served in WWII! Wow. What a great idea to thank men who are wearing the veteran hats. Those small acts to us of gratefulness can mean a huge amount to them.

      Hugs,
      Sarah

  9. Thank you for sharing that amazing story. I love how the Lord spared your grandfather’s life so that he would be saved ten years later. We owe so much to those who have served our country. The sacrifice they gave should also remind us of the ultimate sacrifice our Savior paid to set us free for eternity.

  10. Beautiful story, Sarah!
    Thanks so much for sharing!!
    I try to thank veterans I see and pass by for their service, beacuse they really sacrificed so much for our freedom.

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