Thankful for Veterans

I'm thankful for Veterans. I have a special place in my heart for them because of my grandpa. He was a Marine during World War II and The Korean War. He also worked on planes for the military for a good portion of his life. I don't know exactly why he joined the military, how much of it was patriotism and how much of it was post-Depression necessity. But it doesn't matter. He did what he felt he needed to do, like so many of our veterans have done. He made great sacrifices for this country. He didn't often talk about his wartime experiences. And when he did, he stuck to lighter subjects. I will always remember how during one holiday dinner, he brought out an old menu from a Christmas dinner he had while in the service. It listed all the things the soldiers would be having for their meal with chocolate and cigarettes to finish. I was impressed that he had kept such an item and touched that he would share it with us. The reality of soldiers enjoying a very different kind of holiday than I was having sunk into my heart in a way that wouldn't have without that piece of paper. That one of those soldiers was a younger version of my grandpa broke my heart a little. I know from future conversations with him, that my grandpa saw some terrible things during his service, things that wounded his heart and soul. I am sure all veterans have experienced things they would rather not have in the service of their country and all they hold dear. And yet many of these veterans have gone on to make further contributions to society and the world after their military service. My granddad is one of the most generous, giving people you will ever meet. Saying thank you seems so inadequate in light of the sacrifices and gifts he and other veterans have given but it is all I have to offer. Thank you to all the brave and noble vets out there. Thank you Grandpa. I love you!