Veterans Day comes every year on 11/11, and this year 11/11/11, to remind us to honor those who have and continue to serve.

This day always presents the opportunity for me to reflect on two honorable men in my family, my two grandfathers - one who I have no memory of, and the other who I admired and loved to be around my entire life.

Perry Ellsworth Hertz 1966Perry Ellsworth Hertz, my paternal grandfather, served in the Pacific in World War II. I have no memory of him - he died two months after I was born, at the age of 60. I have heard that he was a quiet man, very hard-working, and provided for his family the best he could. While they were poor, they still created an environment for my father to grow up happy and well-humored. My father played every sport his tiny high school offered, and I'm sure his dad was proud of how hard his son worked in school, too.

I have some of his old medals, some Japanese paper money, an enormous box of antique tools, and some black-and-white photos to remember him by. My youngest son's middle name is Perry. I felt it was a way to honor his memory, and that my dad would be proud of the association. And today gives me the opportunity to share what I do know about his sacrifices, for his family and his country, with my son.

My maternal grandfather, Arthur Edward Waidmann, also grew up very poor, and lost both of his parents at a young age. Not one to make excuses, he worked hard and never complained. He served in World War II as well, as a paratrooper over Germany. I was blessed before he died to hear just a couple of stories from him about his time in the military. He actually turned down a promotion so that he could stay with "his men" and teach several of them to read and do math.

He was someone I dearly loved and admired my entire life. I watched him make sacrifices as well, in service to his family. From putting himself through college in night school, to later working as a contractor for NASA, there are plenty of stories to share with my sons about his service and dedication.

Today, as we reflect on all those who have served in our military, and died protecting the freedoms we often take for granted, I encourage you to take the time to share a few stories that lift the spirit, warm the heart, and remind us to be grateful for all we have.

From President Wilson, November 11, 1919:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"