Just weeks before Veterans Day, a beloved veteran in our family went on to be with the Lord.
“Uncle Troy,” as we affectionately called him, was my grandmother’s brother, and a veteran of World War II.
As the story goes, Uncle Troy was held prisoner by the Germans in World War II, and the family was told he was dead — that was until he showed up at the house one day without any warning.
My great-grandmother and grandfather and other family members who were at the house at the time saw someone walking up and said, “Lord, that looks like Troy.” They all dropped what they were doing to greet him. I have no doubt there were shouts of joy, hugs and tears flowing that day in Gordo, Ala.
Can you imagine looking out the window and seeing someone you were told was dead walking into the yard, or answering the door and seeing that person standing before you?
His safe return was indeed a blessing from God.
Down through the years, as I covered Veterans Day events, Uncle Troy would always share stories about his time of service in World War II.
He also would comment on the stories I wrote about some of the veterans from the area, especially if he knew them and thought they had embellished things about their service. That did not sit well with Uncle Troy. He kept me straight on my reporting skills when it came to covering veterans.
Several years ago, Uncle Troy was honored as Veteran of the Year in Gordo at the annual Veterans Day service. Our family was so proud.
At age 85, Uncle Troy died at home, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
My oldest nephew, Jamey, went with my mother to Uncle Troy’s house following his death. Jamey, who is just 11 years old, loves anything that has to do with World War II. Jamey had wanted to visit with Uncle Troy before he died, but that was not to be.
During the visit, Jamey was infatuated with Uncle Troy’s medals. Uncle Troy’s sons proudly showed them off and told stories about their dad.
For his service in World War II, Uncle Troy received the Bronze Star and the Congressional Medal of Honor, and he was supposed to have received the Purple Heart. Somehow, he never got that medal, and the family is working to get it for him posthumously.
On the way home that day, Jamey told my mother, “Now I can go to school tomorrow and tell everyone I saw a real Bronze Star.” He was so excited. Remember, this is a child who asked me for a book about World War II for Christmas last year.
I have no doubt if Jamey had gotten to sit down with Uncle Troy, the two of them would have talked for hours about the war, and they both would have loved it.
On Tuesday, as we celebrated Veterans Day, Uncle Troy crossed my mind, as did other members of my family who have served our country in military service. They are true heroes in my eyes, as are all the men and women who have worn and are wearing a uniform to ensure our freedom.
Now that Uncle Troy is gone, I don’t have the opportunity to thank him again for all he did for our country. But for those veterans who are still alive, we should let them know just how much they mean to us and our nation. We should not take their sacrifices in vain.
