The United States of America designates the last Monday of May as Memorial Day--a day to remember those who so valiantly fought to preserve the freedoms we have.
Thousands lost their lives on the shores of Normandy, France, on the day we call D-day. My grandfather, Lloyd Theodore Guessford, Pfc., 29th Infantry Division, 115th Regiment, gave his life for his country on June 7, 1944. He left behind a wife and an infant daughter whom he had never met.
Many historians view D-Day as the turning point in World War II. Yet some prominent leaders in Washington who have never served in the military, much less fought in a war, criticize a strong national defense.
The families of veterans gave up so much: My mother, Barbara Ann Guessford, never sat on her father's lap. Her father never tucked her in bed or gave her a good night kiss. She sacrificed more than I will ever know.
I know very little about this man I would have called "Pop Pop" or my mother would have called "Daddy." I discovered he was the youngest of nine brothers and sisters. Did he have special talents in music or other areas? What were his likes and dislikes?
I owe so much to my grandfather--without him, I would not be here. Although he no longer physically lives on earth, part of him lives on in my mother, me, and my five children. I dedicate this article to all the "Lloyd Guessfords" who sacrificed so that we might have freedom in America.
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O valiant hearts, who to your glory came
Through dust of conflict and through battle flame;
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved,
Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.
Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war,
As who had heard God's message from afar;
All you had hope for, all you had, you gave
To save mankind--yourself you scorned to save
John Stanhope Arkwright
