I never knew my grandfather. Never had the chance to celebrate his birthday. But today is his day.
Though cancer claimed him before my parents were even married, my grandfather has lived on in the stories my father and grandmother told me and my brothers over the years. The room I stayed in when visiting my grandmother was decorated with pictures of fighter jets and shiny metal airplane models. I've studied the face that looks out from a painting of him in uniform that hangs in my grandmother's house.
I never met him, but I know who he was: a patriot.
My grandfather served in the Air Force during World War II – back when it was the Army Air Corps – and in the Korean War. He fought bravely for the freedoms we all take for granted, day-in and day-out, as well as for the freedom of those who were being oppressed by fascist and totalitarian governments.
He instilled that patriotic spirit in my father as well – Dad proudly served his country as a career Army officer.
Today, little has changed since my grandfather joined the military. Of course, he might be surprised by iPods and high-speed Internet. But the human story has not changed. Freedom is still a precious commodity – one that is not attained or protected without sacrifice.
Our best and brightest are still in harm's way, defending the principles of democracy far from home. Whatever your view of how our troops were sent to war, the fact remains that if we believe our freedom is an inalienable gift from God, freedom is not a unique blessing reserved for America.
The courageous men and women of our armed forces are fighting for the same principles the "greatest generation" fought to protect – the human dignity to pursue a form of government that empowers the people to make decisions.
Freedom transcends race and creed and ennobles those who fight for it.
November 11 is reserved for the celebration of our veterans and what they gave to ensure my freedom and yours. Those still with us and those who are gone deserve our honor, respect and thanks.
And so, these words are humbly dedicated to America's veterans and, especially, to my grandfather, who I'll meet some day on the other side of eternity. May we never forget who you are and what you did, and may you live on in our hearts and memories.
