Remember all today

Remember - today is a day of remembrance, Memorial Day.
Today I remember my grandfather, Captain Benjamin C. King, who served in the Army during both WWI and WWII. He served with the American Expeditionary Force in Europe during WWI. In fact he was serving overseas at the time my father was born , back in Oregon. He also served in WWII, both in the Coast Artillery on the Oregon Coast, and (I think) with the occupation forces in Korea after the war.

I remember my uncle, Ensign Philip C. Wright who served in the Navy during WWII, but prior to our formal entry into the war. He was a flight instructor who trained pilots to fly. He didn't get a chance to serve in combat because he was killed while on a training flight in Pasco ,Washington two months before Pearl Harbor.

I have visited both their graves - grandpa's at Willamette National Cemetery, south of Portland, and Uncle Phil's at Arlington National Cemetery, just outside of Washington DC.  I am thankful for their service and for all others who served their country in uniform.

But I also remember others who couldn't serve, but love their country just as much. I remember my dad Royal C King, who was classified as 4-F due to very poor eyesight. He would have wanted to serve, especially with a father and brother in law serving while he was stuck at home. He loved his country, but was left to serve by working hard in the war-time economy , and raise a son and four daughters to love their country just as much. I know there were plenty others like him,

And speaking of daughters, we need to remember all the women who were left at home during wartime.  They were largely prevented from service (at least in combat)  while their fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons served. Who knows how many of them would have served if possible. They went through a hell of their own waiting to hear good news, longing to see their loved ones again,  praying to not get a letter of condolence delivered by military messenger. It hasn't been until recently that women  got the chance to serve - and have done it with honor.

And also remember those in the LGBTQ community who were denied an equal opportunity to serve, or served in secret , with equal fears of death and discovery. Don't forget their service and don't deny them the right to serve.

Remember all these today - give thanks - and then give a helping hand when you can to help to any in need.