Memorial Day Mentions

As you all know, today is Memorial Day in the USA. It's a day where we celebrate and remember those who gave their all for their country. I would like to give a shout out to those I know who had served, as well as currently serving, who are still alive today. This extends beyond the USA. I respect those who willingly offer their time, or even their lives, for their homeland.

1. My grandfather

He was a lieutenant colonel in the ROC (Republic of China, aka Taiwan) Airforce. He saw the devastation of his hometown and his country in World War II as a teenage boy. He fought in the Chinese Civil War and later participated in Vietnam War until he retired from the armed forces in his mid-50s. His life was a life of conflicts. However, he's always been humble about it because he regards his own father and father-in-law, who fought bravely and brutally against the Japanese through guerilla warfare in World War II as greater warriors than him.

2. My uncle

He was a lieutenant colonel in the ROC Army. While he did not fight on the frontlines, he was one of the nuclear engineers raised for military purposes by the government. I would describe his experience as something more covert with more internal struggles, like spies and informants, etc. I guess you could say he saw the wars that raged in the shadows. These days, he is spending his time as an engineering professor in China.

3. My cousin Jonathan

Here's my favorite marine! He is currently a corporal when we chatted recently. He hopes to attain the rank of sergeant in the near future. It is funny to think my nerdy, techy, and goofy cousin is a tough mofo who made it into the Marine Corps. When I say nerdy, he is just a lover of physics, especially in the aerospace sciences.

4. My coworker Sam

"Sergeant Sam" had a few tours in Afghanistan. She is also one of the sweetest persons I have ever met. At times, I forget she is a fearsome warrior as well as a responsible leader. She gives her 100% on the field and on the job. The Army should be proud of her. Even though she is Caucasian, the Mulan imagery often passes through my mind when I want to describe her.

5. My coworker Chelsea

I actually do not know her rank in the Air Force. I feel ashamed. While she has not served in the frontlines, her discipline pushed her into leadership in the labs. She's a great friend. In fact, she has helped me many times throughout my life since 2016. I can relate to her because we have had similar journeys in life, minus the involvement in the military. It does sadden me a bit that she is leaving for greener pastures in the form of a different employment soon.

Remember those who served, regardless of nationality, for they offered themselves to their homeland.

Happy Memorial Day!