I was in the first grade when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. When we lived in California, while my dad worked at Mare Island shipyard, I remember stories that some coastal towns could hear the bombs as they exploded.
My family, like others, had a number of members that served in the military. My brother was in the Army and served in Europe and during the Battle of the Bulge. I had two brother-in-laws that served, one in Europe and the other in the Pacific. In my extended family were six cousins who served in the Army and Navy. Serving in the military and fighting for our country was ingrained in each of us. This was true in the neighborhood where I was raised.
From those who served before me I was taught that freedom was not free, but at times had a high cost; time, effort and even our lives could be part of the cost. I came to realize that for everyone that enjoyed freedom, someone had paid the cost and each of us should search our own souls for how we could pay some on that debt.
I came to realize that, as did my family members, it was also my debt to follow as they had to insure in a small way to protect that freedom. One way I could accomplish this was to serve, and along with six buddies, volunteered for the USMC. Along with many young men and women we each paid some on that terrible high debt that had cost thousands of lives. It is sad that so few are committed to that debt.
This is my “why” and I am sure that everyone that has served in the military has a reason that explains their “why”.
God bless the USA.
N.D. Kennedy, Sr.
Ooltewah