Posted by
Roxanna M. on Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:29:39 AM
Another member of the Greatest Generation has
left us. My Uncle John Knipp passed away this week at the age of 89. Occupying a place of prominence in his house was a large picture of himself in his Army uniform. Even though some 50 years had passed since that picture was taken, it was easy to recognize the young man in that uniform.
My uncle was preceded in death by his son, Michael, but survived by his wife of 58 years, Aunt Shirley, and by his children Linda, Connie, Jeffrey, and Paul, as well as by a passel of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Those who served in the last Great War have been called the Greatest Generation, and for good reason. But just as we remember them, it is important not to forget those who serve today, whose accomplishments are in no way inferior to those who came before.
The men and women who have answered this nation's call to duty have done more than any other to rid the world of bloody dictators, free the downtrodden and enslaved, and bring peace and freedom to those yearning for it, as will those who serve in the future.
Thank God for that long, unbroken line of men and women who have been willing to put it all on the line, those who stand in harm's way so that we don't have to, for the freedom of others. We must always be grateful for them. We must never forget them. We must never take them for granted.