Lest we forget.

There you are in your uniform. A young brave officer. A mere 17 years old. It's hard to imagine that you enlisted when you were only 15 years old. Having to lie about your age. That has to be the most important lie you ever had to tell in your life. I can only imagine how you came up with the decision to go off to war. When I was 15 I thought I had tough choices to make but I know I would have never been able to make the choice to go off to war. I was never brave enough to go save the world. I admire you so much for making that choice. I don't know a whole lot about what led to your decision. It was to save your older brother from having to go to war. That in itself shows great courage. Looking out for your big brother. Sacrificing yourself to save him. It was also a way to escape the farm. It was your means of getting away from a life you didn't like. I'm sure you had no idea of the life you would soon learn.

I never had the opportunity to get to know you when you were alive. You died when I was so young. It saddens me to say that the only memory I have of you is visiting you in the hospital. I only got to meet the frail sick version of you. Not the strong brave version that gave so much in service for your country. How I wish that I could turn back the hands of time to have one day with you. One day to really get to know the grandfather that I believe I share so much in common with. As I look at your picture I can see how much I resemble you, but i think it goes further than just looks. I think you passed along a lot of your personality to me. And I hope that I was able to take some of your courage and bravery.

I found out today that you made it all the way to Germany. You were kicking on Hitler's door when something went wrong. I have heard that it was a land mine but all I know for sure is that you left your leg on the battlefield. You made it so far into enemy territory. You fought hard for what you believed was right. Stopping the injustices of a mad man. And you did it. You claimed victory!

I am so grateful for what you did. You made a choice at 15 that forever changed the course of history. I sit here today writing this because of you. Because of your bravery, your heart and your determination. I am so proud of you.

Charles Arthur Shaw I am honored to call you my Grandfather.

I love you!