My Very Favorite Veteran

On this day, in particular, I think of my father-in-law, of blessed memory, who served as a Marine during World War II. Jack William Straight, served with great honor and heart and often told me of his regular visits to the chaplain to discuss the great ambivalence he felt about killing an enemy while he was a believing Christian. He remembered with great sadness, those he served with, who didn't come home. When he told my mother-in-law, Barbara, that he felt compelled to enlist, she said, "Fine, just don't join the Marines." He joined the Marines. And when he went off to training, she said, "Okay, but don't get a tattoo." He came back with a tattoo that read, Semper Fidelis, on his arm. She wasn't thrilled but she understood and they shared more than 50 years of a loving and sweet marriage. I miss them both every day. And today, I thank all of the Veterans for their service and their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families. May G-d bless them all.