Memorial Day in the United States is intended to honor those Americans who have served in the nation’s military and died in the line of service. It also honors those who have served in any capacity with America’s military services.

              Such is the case with my father, Clyde, my uncles Galen, Bob and Gerald among others. Included is my father-in-law, Lloyd.

One of my deepest regrets is not having the opportunity to talk with Lloyd about his service in the United States Army Air Force during World War Two. I had only met him for the first time during the summer of 1979 when I was dating his oldest daughter, my soon-to-be bride Kristine. I left Wisconsin for a job in Oklahoma in late September and came back in November to get married. We then spent the next eight years only seeing he and the rest of the family a couple times a year, and those visits were complicated by having children.

What I knew was that Lloyd was a B-17 bomber pilot during the war, stationed in England. He passed before I had chances to visit with him, so all I know is what has been passed on to me second-hand from brothers-in-law. Lloyd flew thirty-five missions into enemy German territory, surviving all missions. I also learned he was not a very good pilot at first but got better as time went on. Whether he lost crewmates or not remains a mystery, compounded by the fact his military records from the U.S. Army were destroyed in the Kansas City fire that was devastating to the archives.

I thank Lloyd not only for his service, but for the fact he is the father of my bride. That makes him a vital part of my family’s genealogy and my children…and grandchildren’s DNA.

My father is also part of that heritage for my family. Dad served in the United States Navy during WWII, spending most of his tour of duty stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station near Chicago. He did not see combat but taught other sailors how to repair small electric engines. He was honorably discharged as Electrician’s Mate Second Class (EM2). Dad later joined the American Legion, became commander of our local post, and helped in the development of the High Ground near Neillsville in central Wisconsin.

These are the men I honor this Memorial Day for their service to our country and for raising an amazing daughter and teaching me to be a good father.