My hero

My Grandfather (Boppy) served his country during World War II.  He hasn’t told us many stories of those times, like many vets of that era, I suppose there are too many  unpleasant things to remember.  One thing he often does speak of is the rations that they received as soldiers.  Boppy has never been one who consumed alcohol and unlike many other soldiers he knew who used theirs for a beer or three, he traded his and bought Hershey’s chocolate bars.  I have always loved hearing that as Boppy always has some chocolate and always shares.  He shares his chocolate in secret though so that each grandchild is made to feel like they are the only one who is getting a ’silverbell’ from his secret stash.  Making us feel super special in our Boppy’s eyes and the only one deserving of a little surcee.  

All that said, this blog is to show you his recent adventure.  Yesterday he took a flight to Washington D.C. called an “honor flight” with fellow vets, accompanied by my Mom (Tutu).  The vets on the flight were those who served in World War II only and they toured Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, WWII Memorial, Korean Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Memorial.  They toured the Arlington Cemetery, Iwojima Memorial and various parts of the city and were treated to breakfast, lunch and snacks. They were sent off from the Columbia Airport by a small group of fans and supporters and a horn player, welcomed in D.C by a huge crowd of people and received a grand welcome home in Columbia (see below) full with a band, lines of volunteers (some vets themselves, volunteers from USC  and a handfull of  ROTC kiddos from Irmo High-school) holding American Flags as an aisle for them to walk through.  As they all walked through this gauntlet of flags, if you will, we all waved, cheered and shook their hands.  I felt myself swelling with pride and being overcome with emotion as I watched My Boppy soak in all these folks cheering for him.  He couldn’t really see all the todo but he could hear and it was obvious he was overjoyed.  I was so honored to be there and glad that Griffin was there, too.  He was asleep most of the time but I know he would have cheered his Boppy if he could.

So, this blog is for Boppy and all the women and men who served then and now, this country we are so priviledged to live in.  I am so proud to have so many brave souls in our family in my Mother, Father, Aunt and of course, My Boppy.  You are all my heroes.