General

Memorial Day 2021

This week end people in The United States will be celebrating Memorial Day. That is a day that we remember and appreciate all those who have given their lives for freedom, both for us and those of other nations.

The photo that accompanies this piece was taken at the Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument in Toronto, Ohio. The monument was dedicated on November 11, 1919.  It was designed and sculpted by Guiesseppe Moretti and was the very first monument dedicated to the soldiers and sailors of WWI to be erected in the United States.

My maternal Grandfather fought in WWI. This was after he and his brother had immigrated to this country from the island of Crete. He was wounded, captured and spent time in a prisoner of war camp. He never healed completely from his wounds but he never let that stop him from working, gardening and lovingly supporting his family.

After the war he became locally famous for his Greek/American dishes in every restaurant in town where we was the chef.  He would wrap his legs every morning to contain the poisons that oozed out of his wounds. And still he stood on his feet all day at the big commercial stove.

Grandpa Nick got his US citizenship shortly after he came home from war. He was very proud of being an American.

And I am very proud to be his granddaughter.