My grandfather served in the 63rd. Infantry Division (Blood and Fire) during World War II. Their mission was to crush the Siegfried Line in Germany, after D-Day — and they did!

He never talked about the war, as is the case of most of our veterans.

While I don’t have any other pictures of my grandfather during World War II, I do have this picture of my father, which he carried with him across Germany.

I suppose like all of our veterans, he was inspired by thoughts of home while he served.

I’m grateful for his service, and for the service of all veterans before, during and after the time that he served.

Like many of our veterans, he saw much, and mentioned little.

It is up to the rest of us to start the conversation with a heartfelt “thank you.”