This year on Veteran's Day, I'm particularly reflective about my father. He passed away a few years ago and one of my greatest regrets was that I never pressed him for stories about his experiences during World War II.
He was only eighteen when my grandparents encouraged him to enlist in the army to discourage him from entering the priesthood. He spent the majority of his time during the war in the Philippines. The only story he shared was about hiding in a palm tree for days while the enemy marched below.
I missed a golden opportunity for the untold stories he must have had tucked away.
If you have a veteran or any tribe elder still in your life, don't make the mistake I did.
Ask them for their stories.
