Thank you Grandpa

A letter to my grandfather this Veterans Day 2025.

Thank you, Grandfather, for your unwavering dedication to our nation. Your efforts and devotion to the United States serve as enduring sources of inspiration and support as we face the current challenges to democracy and threats to our liberties. I extend my sincere gratitude to all members of our armed forces. May divine blessings be upon you, your families, and all individuals committed to upholding the liberties and freedoms that we hold and cherish dearly. - Jonathan Darden Reed

Please take a moment to click the link and learn about my grandfather's inspiring journey across Germany and his brave efforts to defend our freedoms and liberties. The war took such a toll on his life that he was not able to truly fulfill his life's blessing of being a husband, father, and grandfather. He passed away at 51 a year before I was born. I will not let his efforts die in vain and will defend all persons' rights to freedom and liberty. Let us honor his sacrifice by standing together to protect our country, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these freedoms. May GOD BLESS ALL PERSONS and those who make the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard this wonderful nation.

I am reminded of the poem written by Emma Lazarus.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

- Emma Lazarus
November 2, 1883

Elwyn Jones Darden
b. October 3, 1922 - d. March 7, 1974