One of the best books that I ever read is by Eric Greitens. Greitens, a veteran himself, truly embodies in his writing what it means to serve and how that service never disappears in our veterans. "There were a number of definitions of courage, but now I was seeing it in its simplest form: you do what has to be done day after day, and you never quit."
This is an open letter to my grandfather and all veterans. May we never forget the bravery and courage it takes.
Dear Grandpa,
Thank you. I never said thank you enough for everything. I never said thank you enough for not only being the best grandpa, but also for being my "American Hero."
When you were alive you never wanted the spotlight on you. Now, even though you're gone, you would probably say the same thing, but you should be honored for your bravery, compassion, and loyalty. All veterans should be honored, not just on special holidays, but everyday.
I am the proud granddaughter of Sergeant John "Jack" Touey. My grandfather was held captive in Korea for 33 months. In those 33 months of his life, he attempted escape twice and withheld the secrets of his fellow servicemen and America even when it sacrificed his own mental and physical wellbeing.
When I was growing up my grandfather would rather teach me how to play cards than tell me the details of his service in the United States Army. Yet, these stories and the beautiful shiny medals that hung in my grandfather’s office always intrigued me, especially the Purple Heart.
To me, the Purple Heart was a shiny gold medal that showed your bravery. The medal was decorated in purple ribbon and plated in gold and purple. The plate was shaped like a heart with a golden edge and a golden figure, the purple outlining the golden figure. Written on the back was your military merit, your name, and Army rank. This medal, however, came with meaning.
To you it was a reminder of a dark time. The Purple Heart represented the 33 months that you spent in captivity: the day you were shot at and the day that they threw you in the hole. You would never get those days back nor would you be able to erase the memories. Yet, these moments gave me you. They taught me bravery, compassion, humility, and strength. The Purple Heart brought pain and joy to you, but it was also a reminder to always be grateful.
That shiny gold medal taught us a lot. It kept your journey real and raw. It’s funny, now, that even though you’ve been gone for three years, I still see the Purple Heart as intriguing, but I also see a twenty year old you. I think how, while I sit in classes at almost 20 with my freedom, you were 20 and fighting for that freedom.
Grandpa, Korea may have worn your down. It may have changed you. It, however, made you the man that I am so proud and honored to call grandpa. It made you the man who embodied love, compassion, strength, humility, intelligence, and bravery. Korea is over and you are gone, but I will always hold the Purple Heart and your bravery close to me. One day I will tell my children about their great-grandfather. He was the man awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery, bravery that saved hundreds of American lives.
So today, on the week of Veterans Day, I not only honor and remember you, my grandfather and all my relatives and friends who have served, but all veterans. If you have ever put on that uniform--thank you. Thank you for your loyalty, your compassion, and your immense strength. Thank you for making a sacrifice that I never could. I wish that every day were Veterans Day because you deserve recognition every day of your lives.
