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celeste k.'s avatar

I am so effected and touched by your post that I'm crying as I write. I am devastated at what is being lost in the world due to the cruelty and hate harbored by the 'right'. There is no reason for any of it...life could be so wonderful for everyone on this planet if humans would just be kind to one another. Power, greed and hate of the other are traits possessed by so many, yet absent from so many others. The good in us must prevail. I have Uncles who fought in both world wars, yet never spoke of it. I thank you for sharing some of your story of "Poppy". I am proud of him even though I don't know him. You are a righteous person to honor his memory and those who fought for honor and peace. I really am touched.

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lin•'s avatar

ThankYou!

And your grandfather.

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Allison Marshall's avatar

Thank you. What an uplifting reminder of who and what we should be.

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Tomesha Campbell's avatar

Thank you for sharing this with us. This is an important part of history; I hope more people learn about.

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Tom Richmond's avatar

Wonderful story and tribute, Jason. Thank you for this.

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Cathy Guisewite's avatar

Beautiful, Jason. Thank you so much for sharing this, for so lovingly telling your grandfather's story, and for lifting up the sacrifice and honor of his generation as a reminder of what could and should be now.

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Jason Chatfield's avatar

Thanks, Cathy. I do worry we're slipping backwards every day because so many now take for granted what we've been lucky to enjoy for so long.

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Kathie Melocco's avatar

I too got up at 4.00am in Sydney to trudge along to Martin Place. Thank you for such a beautiful post. Your Poppy sounds like a wonderful man and just so Aussie... "they never bloody learn"

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VickeyB's avatar

Like many others, your beautiful post brought me to tears.

Blessings on your grandfather, and ALL those who fought in two brutal World Wars to protect our freedoms.

As I am sure happened in the vast majority of American AND Australian/New Zealand families, EVERY male member of my family who was old enough enlisted in the military immediately following (in the U.S.) Pearl Harbor. Those who were not old enough initially, enlisted as soon as they could.

It is beyond shameful to see what the U.S. has been reduced to under the felon and his obsequious toadies now “governing” this country.

I know many other countries are watching the U.S. with growing revulsion, Canada is a prime example. I hope those nations, including Australia and New Zealand learn from OUR mistake, and do not follow us into darkness.

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Pat's avatar

What a beautiful testament to both then and now, and such a wonderful person (who molded you). Thank you.

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Keeffe Kevin's avatar

My day started in Canberra pre dawn with a large crowd gathered in the mist. The bugle played the last post and a magpie tried to harmonise. I remembered my mother’s father’s two brothers who died in Europe fighting wars for other nations. And my own mother who died on this day. Last thing tonight was reading your moving and respectful post. Thank you.

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Mark Morey's avatar

Thank you for this. I need to be reminded of why I am so sad and angry these days. Whatever the United States, or a large portion of it, has become, it used to be an important part of the world. And those people who elevated Trump to power have always been here—through all our history—I don’t know if they finally out bred us, as my dad feared they would, but I think maybe apathy and the refusal to vote for somebody who wasn’t *just right* combined to tip the scales. 🥲

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Cicada's avatar

The sacrifices of your “poppy”, and many others for the betterment of ALL, is certainly commendable. Thank you, Jason, for sharing this with many of us who understand such bravery, and, DO NOT take any of it for granted. These are difficult times for many now, as one’s Beliefs are being tested. My Hopes are with those such as your grandfather. Whose Kindred Spirits shall endure, and strengthen those of us who do understand.

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Teri Gelini's avatar

My Dad served in WW II and was a 100% disabled vet. He was a paraplegic and the only thing he literally could not do is walk.He drove a car with hand controls and could get in and out of a pool and bathtub using upper body strength. We always had a 2 door car as he put his wheel chair behind the front seat on the drivers side. Sadly he passed when I was beginning my senior year of high school. I was too young to ask the questions I have today at 73 y/o to help me know what he went thru and his thoughts. I know he along with my uncle who was lifetime army office and buried in Arlington overlooking the tomb of the unknown soldier are rolling in their graves along with all the other brave men and women buried there. I can imagine feeling the earth move as one walks thru there now from this. A national disgrace is what we have in Washing tom now. We must fight to get our country back and respected.

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CJ Kettler's avatar

Beautiful post Jason!❤️❤️

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Jason Chatfield's avatar

Thank you, CJ!

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Jan Grebe's avatar

Thanks for sharing this with us. We appreciate it.

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Tully Minoski's avatar

This is an awesome post.

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