Veteran's Day

My Grandpa Dennis during WWII

 

Many think of today and remember those who have served our country. They remember the heroes. I often think of my two Grandpa’s who both served in World War II. They left their families and homes and went out to an unknown land and fought for our country. They are my heroes. They came home safe and had to start their lives over again.

My Grandpa Budd during WWII

I often talk about my grandpa Budd. Jerry LeNore Budd served from 1941 to 1945. He ended his 4 years on the island of Iwo Jima. He saw a lot those four years, but he saw evil from both sides of the war. 

The night before my Grandpa Budd passed away.

My mom, me, and my daughter Brooklynn's hands on his.

 

On Iwo Jima after the war was officially over, they had to stay on the island and continue to find the enemy. One day out on normal rounds they found some Japanese men hiding, the other men with him were more than willing to end their lives right there. My grandpa wouldn’t allow it. The men had surrendered, and they were unarmed. My grandpa saved their lives that day, the enemy. To me that is a true hero. 

21 gun salute at Grandpa Budd's funeral.

It has been 2 years ago today since my grandpa’s funeral. How fitting to have his funeral on Veteran’s day. I miss him so much. 

My son Cameron at his Great Grandpa's funeral.

I spent hours upon hours with him, learning about his life, reading his journal, and letters. Sometimes being a hero is loving those who may not seem to deserve it, you never know who’s life you can save.