Happy Memorial Day!

Maj. Gen. Weston H. Willis

This is a picture of my grandfather, Major General Weston H. Willis, while he served during WWII. He was part of the US Army's artillery division and was instrumental in winning the Battle of the Bulge. Even though he was a  three star General, (the third star was honorary from the Governor of the State of North Carolina for meritorious service as the  head of his National Guard unit), he chose to refer to himself at the reduced rank of Major General. All of his working life was spent serving the US government. After many years in the military, he worked for the US Postal Service as Post Master General, until his retirement.

I am very proud of him and all he did for our country. He joined the army at a very early age, with only an 8th grade education, although he had a sharp, deep, genius mind. He often told me he would have crawled on his hands and knees all the way to West Point for the opportunity to attend school there. Bill and I are praying that our son, Braxton, will live out this dream by attending one of the military academies after high school.

My grandfather was a dedicated, honorable man with character and integrity. Even though he wasn't perfect, he was an excellent role model for me. He was calm and even tempered, but very rigid in his discipline. He took great pride in having taught me my "times tables," but lamented that I couldn't carry on the family tradition of swallowing a raw oyster. He spoke sporadically about the War and refused to give more details when I pumped him for information. To him, I was just a little girl who shouldn't be marred by the horrors of the Germans. He was serious and stoic, yet would pull us grand kids on his lap and "give us some sugar" at a moment's notice. He had a pair of big blue eyes that could bore holes into your soul, but those very same eyes could tear up at a good romantic movie, like his favorite, The Sound of Music. He loved my grandmother and was married to her for over 75 years. He lived well into his 90s, very active on the golf course, until the day he went on to Heaven.

This Memorial Day is dedicated to him, and many others, who have served our nation so courageously. My grandfather was fortunate enough to have fought during WWII and returned home to his family. Many did not have that luxury and their remains are buried in Normandy or some ditch, field, or beach in another part of the world somewhere. But they aren't forgotten and their sacrifice is greatly appreciated, even though we, as a nation, may not voice that appreciation as often as we should.

To be honest, every time we as Americans exercise our freedom to vote, give our opinion (regardless of how unpopular), practice our faith in the manner we see fit, go to the school of our choice, and enter into the profession of our dreams, we are honoring their sacrifice. They have served and died so that we may receive and live freely. That is a wonderful gift. Thank you to all of our wonderful military troops! We love you and honor you this day!