{Photos of my husband’s granddad Somewhere in Germany in 1945 (right).}
Today is a day of remembrance for all of those military men and women who have sacrificed their lives while serving this wonderful country of ours here in the U.S. of A. Wikipedia describes it as the official beginning of summer, whereas Labor Day marks the end of the summer season.
These photos are of my husband’s grandfather, T.O. Duvall Sr., who served in the 14th Armored Division of General Patton’s 3rd Army of the U.S. military. To clarify, he did not die in combat, but served this great country in World War II. The stories I hear about this man and all that he did, truly blow me away, and I’m sure there are many other military families with similar stories.
There is one story in particular that reminds me how much not only service members sacrifice, but that their families give up more than any of us can imagine in our normal every day lives. It’s the story of his wife giving birth to her first born while her husband was preparing to go overseas to fight for our country. As she was in Atlanta having her first child (my father-in-law), her husband was training at Camp Edwards in Massachusetts about to leave for the war.
It amazes me that he heard the news of his son being born over his radio in his military half-track (Sgt. Duvall pictured far right), which was broadcast to all of the men. He later named that half-track, “Tommy” in honor of his son. Of course, at that time, he wasn’t sure if he would ever get to meet Tommy. I’ve had the chance to read the personal note that Scott’s grandfather mailed to his son just in case things went bad while he was serving – it’s a tear jerker that you almost can’t get through because of the emotion. I seriously cannot wrap my head around this, because even when my hubby is gone away for just a few days for work, perhaps only a few states away, for a job that doesn’t put his life in danger, I’m an emotional mess. Not to mention not being able to experience the birth of your first child!!
Luckily, T.O. was able to meet Tommy for the first time after he turned four months old right before he left for combat in the European theatre. He made it through some of the fiercest battles of WWII, fighting in France, Belgium, The Battle of the Bulge and eventually making his way to Germany. His armored division was nicknamed the “Liberators” because they liberated several concentration and POW camps. To put it all in perspective, when he finally returned from WWII, his son (my father-in-law) was 18 months old. Amazing.
I never had the honor of meeting Scott’s grandfather, but the stories and photos shared by those that knew and loved him, make me realize how much of an awesome influence he was in his work life and in his everyday actions of love for his own family. He raised four children, had eight grandchildren and if he were alive today (at 93), would have a total of twelve great-grandchildren. We are all grateful for Sgt. Duvall and his service, valor and love of country and family. The epitome of an American Hero.
I want to take this moment TO THANK ALL OF YOU who are either currently serving or have served in the military. To those who are a military spouse, son, daughter, parent or child of someone in the military.giving the ultimate gift of service and support to this wonderful country we live in. You are the reason the rest of us can take this day to focus on the good weather, barbeque’s, and quality time with our family members because you are working so hard to keep this country safe.
Happy Memorial Day to everyone.
