Memorial Day

Arlington National Cemetery

Whenever I visit Arlington or one of the other cemeteries for fallen soldiers, sailors, and airmen, I whisper, ”thank you.” Please pause for a moment this weekend and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

My Uncle Bob “Stretch” Brandt was in the Navy during World War II on a ship called an LST, “Landing Ship, Tank.” He participated in two amphibious assaults, first in Sicily and then at Normandy where he landed on Omaha Beach. He survived but said the carnage was unbelievable, thousands upon thousands died. Years later he and my aunt returned to Normandy for an emotional visit. They stopped by a small museum in a village close to his landing point. He told the museum folks that he’d landed on Omaha Beach and they got to story telling. (My Uncle Bob was an awesome storyteller) Turned out Uncle Bob still had his Navy uniform from the war days, the museum didn’t have one like it and Bob offered his, they said “Absolutely.” They mounted it on a mannaquin with his name as the donor. I wonder if it’s still there.

Uncle Bob is resting in Miramar National Cemetery. Thank you.