Another Veteran Leaves

Recently a friend passed away at the ripe old age of 90 and left his twin brother and wife behind to mourn his loss. He was a WWII vet who saw action in Sicily and Italy as the Canadians drove northwards to free the Italians from Mussolini’s dictatorship. He would tell the odd tale about his time in the service but not a lot as the years went by. I knew this man as the Office Manager for the Company I worked for and during his years on the job I really could not say I knew him very well at all. Once I retired though I began to have lunch with a few of the older retirees, of which he was one, and I got to know him better over the last 5 years. He was a gentleman and had a great sense of humour but most of all he was a regular guy that had given three years of his life to his Country in a time of war. He had fought, as most of the men then, to preserve our freedom and way of life without reservation as he saw it as his duty. He was never individually honoured for his service because he was just an ordinary infantryman who carried his rifle and gear into battle following the orders of his superiors. He fought in every battle as they moved through Italy and finally managed to take Rome from the Germans and Mussolini’s troops. There were many men like this, some who perished on the battlefields of Europe and others that survived carrying with them memories they could never erase from their minds. I often wonder in this day and age if any men would do the same thing if their Country called them to duty in the name of preserving our culture and way of life. We know that there are brave young men fighting today that have enlisted to serve and I consider these men to be the bravest of the brave for they have stepped into the role on their own volition choosing to put their lives on the line for their Country. But what about the rest of us who have enjoyed the fruits of the last generation’s sacrifices? Would we stand up and be counted like my friend did back in the 40’s? I have a hard time picturing the “me” generation willing to sacrifice anything without any tangible payback for themselves. Sadly this is probably closer to reality than the opposite scenario where people like my friend would put himself at risk for his Nation and his principles. History tells us that those who are not willing to fight for freedom seldom enjoy it for long. We are slowly losing these brave men who were the last of the “greatest generation” of our time and I fear we will not see their like again any time soon. I hope I am wrong but only time will tell. Rest in Peace my friend and God Bless.