On this Memorial Day, I thought a lot about the men and women across the centuries who have protected our freedoms and sacrificed for us. One of those men and women was particularly on my mind today — my grandfather, Alfred Holsman.

This is a picture of him on the day he was leaving for World War I. I never had the opportunity to meet him as he died many years before I was born — actually, he died when my dad (his son) was only about four years old. I know very little about him, other than that he had immigrated to this country from Eastern Europe, was married twice, had three children, was fiercely patriotic, and spoke many languages. The language part always interested me because I love learning world languages, and learn them easily, but neither of my parents have that interest. I always wondered where my ability came from, then I found out that my grandfather was a court translator in Boston. How cool!

My grandfather proudly served in World War I, wanting to serve his adopted country. When World War II came around, he was heartbroken that he was too old and ill to be able to re-enlist.

So on this day of remembrance, I give thanks for those who have served and those who serve now.