Thank you, Grandpa.

Last night Veteran’s Day actually hit home with me for once.

I’d always known that my Grandfather, Harold Simmons, had served in the armed forces at one point in his life. Beyond that I wasn’t sure of many of the details. My family never talked about it because my Grandfather never talked about. I didn’t know when he served, what he did, where he went, any of it. I think because so much of this information was unknown to me, it never really sunk in that Grandpa was a veteran. I never thought of him on this day. And I’m ashamed that I have to admit that.

My Grandfather passed away in 1999.

I always got to see my Grandparents at least once a year. Either my family would go visit them in St. Louis or they’d come visit us, always for the holidays. They were the only Grandparents I ever knew, my paternal Grandparents having passed away before I was born, and I wish I had appreciated them more when they were around.

Then last night happened.

After a long day at work where my workload was doubled by an error in our system and a dinner and movie date, I started to get ready for bed, but decided I should check my email before I did so, since I hadn’t looked at any of my personal accounts all day.

In the middle of about ten emails was one from my Aunt Cheri with some photos attached. She had been going through some of my Grandparents things and came across my Grandfather’s separation papers from the Army. These documents, shown below, shed a lot of light on what my Grandfather did during his time in the service. A lot of the information was new even to my Mom and my Aunt.

When I read that letter, Veteran’s Day meant a whole lot more to me.

I don’t know what the words would mean for him if he were still around. But thank you Grandpa. I’m so proud of you.

And thank you to all others who have answered that call, just as my Grandfather did.

Update
After some more collaboration with my Aunt, I got some photos of Grandpa from when he was in the service. I’m simply in love with these.
New Caledonia

Russell Islands

Russell Islands

My Grandpa and my Grandma, LaVerne. The photo was likely taken a few years after the wedding. My understanding is that Grandpa was sent overseas not too long after they were married.

A telegram from Grandpa to his parents after he returned stateside. Grandpa was in Japan when peace was declared.