Duty and Honor

Today is Memorial Day, and while I know that Memorial Day is traditionally the time to honor those who gave their lives in battle for their country, I want to take this time to honor the memory of my Grandfather, Kye Harris, who served honorably in World War II. He didn't lose his life for his country, but he did give his body. My grandfather was injured numerous times in battle, and the shrapnel in his body bore witness to this fact for many, many years.

Granddaddy was one of my childhood heroes, and the stories of his childhood are now familiar to my own children. He first tried to enlist at 14 years old, but when the Navy found out his true age, they sent him home. Undaunted, when he turned 15, he enlisted in the Marines, with the support of his mother. The family story is that the Marine recuiter said to him, "If you're stupid enough to join, we're stupid enough to take you."

I have a 15 year old son. The thought of sending him off to war brings me to tears, but if he grows up to be the kind of man that my Granddaddy was, I would do it in a second. I have great confidence that my sons will grow up to be strong, faithful men of God, because they have had a tremendous heritage of a faithful father, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers who instilled in our family a desire to "...do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God."

My Grandfather was one of the survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima. I am so awed by the courage and honor of the men who fought at Iwo Jima, especially as I learn more about the immense horrors of that campaign. I know that alot of veterans don't look at themselves as heroic, they just saw themselves as doing their job, doing their duty. I think that is one of the reasons why they were such heroes. They did their job, their duty, in the face of enormous odds, unthinkable danger, and overwhelming carnage. Yet they still jumped out of those boats, climbed up those mountainsides, and did their duty.

Granddaddy was very proud to be a Marine, and he took great affront when someone misspoke and asked if he had been in the Army. We grandchildren knew NEVER to say that!

We stood in awe of Granddaddy, and were always delighted to receive a loving hug or a silly song that he would make up about one of us on the spot. He was young at heart, always participating in the family volleyball or basketball games. He had the knack to win a 200 hand in Rook when most of us would never have even tried to bid!

Granddaddy was a devoted husband, always treating my Grandmother like the beautiful lady that she was. He was a loving father that raised up 5 honorable children, one of whom is my mother. Most important of all, my Granddaddy was a true man of God, determined to do his duty, no matter how hard, and no matter what the cost.

I am forever grateful to be born into a family with such a Godly heritage. My Grandfather was the standard-bearer, diligently training up his children in the way they should go. He faithfully shepherded my father and was his mentor. He imparted wisdom and instruction to his grandchildren, and has left a beautiful legacy of faithfulness to the generations yet to come.

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of being the granddaughter of Kye Harris.

Posted by Katie