To my Military Friends and Family

Memorial Day, a day of remembrance and honoring of those who have sacrificed their lives for our country, our freedom. I just want to take a moment to honor my friends and family who have served or our serving in the military and their amazing wives that hold the family together while they are gone.
I first got to hear my Grandpa Jessie's story when I was in 9th grade. My American history professor asked us to interview any family members that served in the military for one of our assignments. I didn't know that my Grandpa hadn't really talked about this to many people at the time. But, he wanted to share with me. Even though I know that it was very hard for him. I felt very honored and loved that he was willing to open up to me about something so traumatizing and horrific. My grandpa Jessie served in World War II. His plane was shot down by the Germans, my grandpa was the only survivor, and he landed by parachute in (thankfully) Dutch territory. A little Dutch girl found my grandpa passed out with many broken bones on their farm. She ran and told her family and that amazingly brave family took him in knowing that if the Germans discovered they were hiding an American they could be killed. He hid in their basement for months...eating tulip bulbs and anything else that he could find or that the family could spare. The Germans found him and he was captured and held as a prisoner of war. He is an American hero. I am proud that he is my Grandpa. He is selfless, genuine, and loving, and very funny. He takes such good care of my Grandma Jewel. Thank you Grandpa for serving our country and for being such a great grandpa!
My brother-in-law, Casey, is in Special Forces in the Army. He is a true soldier at heart. He is strong, brave, and born to protect our country's freedom. He is also a funny, wonderful, Christian man and has an amazing, strong wife to support him and keep the family going while he is gone, my sister Melody. They have a great marriage full of joy and laughter, four beautiful children and Melody is able to keep everything running when Casey is gone for months and months at a time. I know it is hard on her when he is gone. But, she always stays so positive. I know she has a peace that only the Lord can give her. Casey and Melody are American heroes.
I also have a friend, Diane, whose husband Nathan was serving oversees for such a long time leaving behind his wife and 2 precious children. Nathan made such a sacrifice for our country. Diane is sweet, genuine, loving, and kind....but yet so strong. Her faith is great and her light shines brightly to those around her. Thank you Nathan and Diane!
We are so blessed to live in this great country. God bless America!