I hope everyone had the opportunity to salute those who fought, and are still fighting for our freedom yesterday. Each year when Remembrance Day (I’m Canadian) comes around, I think of my grandpa who fought for Britain in World War II. He was a member of the RAF (Royal Air Force) and fought alongside many brave men and women during the 5 years he served. During such a traumatic time he found happiness when he met his future wife, a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAFFs). When the war ended, they married and two years later my mum came along. They immigrated to Canada when my mum was five and my grandpa settled in teaching shop class at the high school I would just so happen to attend many years later.
Sadly, he passed away when I was only four years old so I never had the opportunity to hear about the war from him. Growing up I’d look through his old photos and try to imagine what fighting in such a devastating war must have been like; the physical and mental toll that it took on the soldiers is something that few of us can even begin to imagine. My favorite photo of my grandpa isn’t really a photo at all, it’s a sketch of him in his uniform that was drawn by a fellow soldier; it’s framed and sits on my mum’s dresser and is probably one of my favorite things at my parent’s house. Over the course of my life, I’ve spent many hours wishing I could talk to him because I know I would have enjoyed listening to him tell me stories about the war if he were still alive today.
I’m so thankful for people like my grandpa who put their lives on the line for our freedom. I think we should remember them every day because without them I don’t want to imagine what our world would have been like.
albucco10 said:
This is so sweet, Jen! xo
Pearls & Lace said:
Thanks Alyssa! xo
Always Maylee said:
Your grandpa would have been so proud of you. What a sweet post.
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
Pearls & Lace said:
Aww thank you Yi-Chia! I hope you’re right! xo
fizzandfrosting said:
Beautiful post.My grandfather was also a veteran, but he passed before I was born. Like you, I have often wished I could have talked to him.
Pearls & Lace said:
Thank you for sharing Lauren! It’s sad to think that we could have learned so much from our grandpas if we’d only gotten the chance to get to know them. I’m sure your grandpa would be so proud of you if he were here today! xo
Jen said:
Beautiful post – celebrating your grandfather and the veterans.
Red Soles and Red Wine
Pearls & Lace said:
Thank you Jen! I think it’s so important to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom; we owe them everything!
xo jen
Julie said:
This is so so sweet. Your grandpa seemed like an amazing man! xo, Julie
Pearls & Lace said:
Thanks Julie! I’m sure he was, I just wish I had the opportunity to find out for myself! xo
LifeAndBows (@LifeAndBows) said:
What a beautiful post. He sounds like an amazing man!
XO,
Zhanna
http://www.lifeandbows.com
Pearls & Lace said:
Thank you Zhanna, he was!
xo jen
Pure Cane Sugar said:
I too am remembering my grandpa on this day! I lost him last year, and he was laid to rest on Veterans day in a beautiful National Cemetery. I did a post about Veterans Day fashion, hoping you can stop by and check it out.
xoxo
Cori
http://www.purecanesugarfashion.wordpress.com
Pearls & Lace said:
Aww Cori, that’s such a touching story! I’m so sorry for your loss, I know it was hard on my family when my grandpa passed. I will definitely be checking out your post!!
xo jen
Maya said:
I love this post Jen! I’ve been crying at puppy commercials this week – so I teared up at your post too {oops!}. Sounds like your grandfather was a fabulous guy ❤
xx,
Maya
Pearls & Lace said:
Oh Maya, you’re so sweet! It’s wonderful that this post has touched so many people today! xo
davie+erica said:
So so so sweet<3
ox from NYC!
davie+erica
LPFashionPhilosophy
Pearls & Lace said:
Thank you both!
xo jen
Holly said:
This is such a wonderful post, Jen! Both of my grandfather’s served in WWII so I found your post really touching. xo
Pearls & Lace said:
Thank you Holly! That’s amazing that both of your grandpas served! I’m happy my post has touched more people than I could’ve imagined 🙂 xo
Bree said:
Awe wow what an amazing story. I definitely think we all should sometimes take a moment to give thanks to the people who have fought for our freedom and rights. Your grandpa sounds like an amazing man!
This was a really touching post, I am definitely sharing it on my Facebook =)
Pearls & Lace said:
Thank you Bree, I completely agree! He was a wonderful man! You’re so sweet for sharing my post, I really appreciate it! xo
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