In Rememberance, A Memorial Day Salute

I truly believe that words are inadequate for today. The word Thanks cannot express adequately the appreciation those who gave their life for our freedom deserve. It does not make up for all those who have served or are still serving have sacrificed for country. They deserve our respect and gratitude every day.

Today, my heart holds close my grandfather, Leland Nobles, veteran of WWII who served in the South Pacific. He was a simple man who never talked about all that he did. Here is part of the eulogy that I wrote a few weeks ago.

He worked as a teamster for his father before entering in the United States Army in 1943. He became a Private First Class in the 111th Infantry Regiment serving in the Western Pacific during World War II. One of the most familiar stories from his time overseas is how he ended up with a pet monkey that acted more like a watch dog than a banana eating, tree swinging chimp. He ended up receiving a Combat Infantry Badge, a WWII Victory Medal, a Theater Medal, and various others awards.

 In 2006, he was honored by the state of Pennsylvania for his service during World War II.  One of the last memories the family has before Leland went into the nursing home was his participation in the Memorial Day Parade where he proudly rode in a convertible as a WWII Veteran. It was that weekend that the family found out how impressive some of the metals Leland had received really were. The WWII museum provided him with a uniform to wear and was able to explain to the family the significance of Leland’s achievements.

Leland led a full life and enjoyed his 90th Birthday surrounded by his family a little over a month ago. On the evening of May 11th surrounded by many of his family members, Leland left this earth and came face to face with Jesus and this is the comfort we as a family find.