I have been back a week from a 9-day vacation we took with both our kids and our 3 grandchildren. We first went to Ocean CIty, Maryland for my sister's wedding and then back to Washington DC for 3 days. On the first day in DC we did the walk by the White House and then back to the mall. Unfortunately the reflective pool is being rebuilt. I have been there several times but had not seen the WWII Memorial. It is outstanding. It is unfortunate it was built about 30-40 years later than it should have been. As we were about to enter the Memorial, there were three Army soldiers in uniform. My granddaughter wanted here picture made with them. When I asked, there were glad to accomodate. I have attached a picture of all three grandchildren (of course I am proud) with the soldiers. I then shook each of their hands and thanked them for the pictures and their service to our country. They guy in the middle had an artificial hand. When we were done, one of the other guys mentioned to me that SSgt. LeRoy Petry (the guy in the middle) was getting the Medal of Honor on July 12th. I was almost speechless. I told my grandchildren they had their picture made with a real hero. This was the highlight of the trip for me. He is the second living recepient of the Medal of Honor since the Viet Nam war. His wife was with him. He nor his wife ever mentioned it. God Bless him and his family. Here is a link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leroy_Petry

 

Wow.

I hope your grandkids appreciate that when they're a bit older.

That's truly an honor.

And, of course, as you know, real heroes don't blab about it, usually because they don't think they did anything different than what anyone else would have done.

They look like great kids, by the way.

- Eric

 

What a memory for those kids. Awsome!!

 

I read his story that guy had a hell of a fight and he is all too humble about it. Army Ranger through and through those guys are the heart and soul of Americas fighting force makes me proud to be a salty grunt myself. Unfortunately a large portion of America doesn't celebrate these heroes the way they did durin WWII.

Lead the Way!

 

Great post! Especially on the eve of Independence Day!

 

X 2 Most of us will never have the honor of meeeting a true hero.

 

Realoldsman:
What a great post as my first read as I awaken early on July 4th! What an honor for you and your grandkids to meet this true, American hero. Thanks so much for sharing (and thank you for your Service!).
Aron

 

Way cool story! Thank you for sharing!!!

 

Nice story. God bless America.

RLTW

 

X2!!!!!

Eric you are so right on about "real heros".
When reading these stories I think of my friend Jim (WWII vet. Tuskgee Airmen).

 

True heros fighting for our freedom.

i read his story also...wow! what an ordeal to have to fight thru.

 

Thank you for your service to our country. We owe our freedom to guys like you and those in the picture. I wish people were more aware of that. I will never forget meeting SSgt. LeRoy Petry. I was fortunate to meet a real hero.

 

Here's the story if you want a good read:

http://www.army.mil/article/58595/Wo...n_Afghanistan/

-Jeff