Memorial Day

It was one of the most costly wars in terms of lives lost. In our family, my mother's brothers and my father's uncles all went to war.

My maternal uncle went to France as an Army medic. He was stationed near Paris for two years after the Allies captured the city. He missed his chance to be a professional baseball player, but he was a father and a grandfather.

My paternal great uncle was not so lucky. He had survived the Battle of Anzio, moving up through Italy, and then his Army unit went into Eastern France. Before he could get to the Battle of the Bulge, he was killed crossing a bridge, struck down by a mortar.

When I visited France, I visited the town where he died. I will never forget him, or the sacrifices he made; the family he left behind.

Today, I remember all who gave their lives in gratitude. Freedom is not free. It was paid for by those we lost.

Thank you doesn't seem like enough.