Ever since I was a little girl, my grandparents instilled in me how important it is to respect and appreciate the men and women who serve to protect our country. Both of my grandfathers were veterans and both deeply dedicated to our country.
My Grandpa Wilson had a deep respect for the flag and flew it proudly in his yard everyday of his life. His neighbor ran a local Boy Scout troop and my grandpa let them camp out in his backyard every summer and help with the flag folding ceremonies. I remember him joking around with them (but also serious), "Hey you better not let that flag touch the ground!"
My Grandpa Schaffenberger had a lifelong commitment to community service and was very involved with the VFW and Purple Heart (even serving as the Commander at one point). So growing up, I would frequently help him with the fundraisers- selling the Poppies, Daisies, & Violas. He was known the stay out on the streets (or at the local Walgreens) all day long collecting money during these fundraisers and he often collected the most. In 2004, he was even the recipient the 2004 Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award. The description of this award says: These local “humanities heroes” were selected by their mayors for their outstanding efforts to champion the humanities in their communities.
I always looked up to my grandpa but I gained an even deeper respect for him at his funeral when his friend from the VFW came up to me and said, "did your grandpa ever tell you how he got his 2nd Purple Heart?" And he told me the story of what happened on the battlefield that day that still brings tears to my eyes to think about today....
It reminds me that freedom is not free and that we should make sure to thank veterans for protecting our safety & freedom that we often take for granted.
Not only are both of my grandfathers my Heroes, but truly ALL veterans are heroes for the strength, bravery, courage, and selflessness it takes to serve.
God bless America 🇺🇸
Photo of my grandpa, Adolph ("Al") Schaffenberger (he would always dress up like this 4th of July to show his patriotism)
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