WWII Veteran Jake Larson at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Photo by D. Paul Graham

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Remembrance …..

We watched his family leisurely guide his wheelchair down the cart path of the 18^th hole at Pebble Beach.  They stopped and I couldn’t resist taking pictures of them.  The family saw us watching and waved LA and I over. My camera has afforded me the blessing of meeting many amazing people, and over the next 30 minutes, we met a man that we will never forget.  His name is Jake, and he is 101 years old. He was born in 1923 in Owatonna Minnesota. At the age of 15, he lied about his age and enlisted in the National Guard. In 1942, he was deployed to Northern Ireland as the Operations Sergeant, assembling the planning books of Generals Eisenhower and Bradley for the invasion of Normandy.  He was then sent to France. He was the first man off the command boat, responsible for organizing the soldiers on Omaha Beach. He began to tell me about his life, and I crouched down beside his wheelchair so we could be face-to-face. His eyes teared, as did mine, as he shared stories of watching his many friends who didn’t survive as they bravely assaulted the beach. After D-Day, his duties of tour took him through the Battle of the Bulge. Jake wants to make sure that the fallen are never forgotten. “I’m the last of my unit”. He returns to Normandy each year, “to come back to honor their souls.” “They are my buddies. They’re up there right now. They’re up there waiting for me.” Jake Larson is also known as “Papa Jake” and recently he has become an internet sensation, particularly on YouTube and TikTok.  As I shook hands with him, thanking him for the privilege of meeting him and for his service, he asked to give me a hug.  As we hugged, he whispered to me, “I’m the luckiest man in the world. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.” His family wheeled him away and I had to turn to face Stillwater Cove as I cried again. No – thank you, Jake for all you’ve done for this country and for the world. This morning’s M5T honors in remembrance, Jake and the many men and women who served, who are currently serving, and for the many who gave their lives for our freedom.

1. SACRIFICE. Today we remember Veterans who have sacrificed time with family, comfort, and personal safety to serve our country, even putting their lives on the line to protect others. We remember those who have sacrificed beyond the battlefield. Veterans face ongoing challenges, including physical and emotional scars that last a lifetime. Today we recognize and support that their sacrifice brings awareness to the real cost of war and the importance of mental health.

2. FREEDOM. Today we remember Veterans who have fought to preserve the freedoms we enjoy every day. The ability to speak freely, vote, and live openly is rooted in the service of those who have defended these rights. We stand and live on their service. Their legacy of service upholds a tradition of service that connects generations. Their legacy reminds us of those who served in the past, those that are serving now, and those that will serve in the future.

3. STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE. Today we remember Veterans who embody strength and resilience. Their ability to overcome adversity and face immense challenges with courage, grit, and determination is nothing short of inspiring. Their bravery entering dangerous situations with courage, often without knowing outcomes of living another day or facing their last day alive, is a feeling that most of us will never understand or fully appreciate.

4. INSPIRATION FOR LEADERSHIP. Today we remember Veterans that embody qualities of leadership, discipline, and teamwork that inspire us. They serve as examples in our workplaces, schools, and communities, leading with integrity. They impact our communities, locally and nationally, continuing to serve even after leaving the military, whether by volunteering, mentoring, or contributing to civic organizations.

5. REMINDERS OF UNITY. Today we remember Veterans as a symbol of unity. Despite differences in background, politics, or beliefs, remembering veterans unites us as a nation in gratitude and respect for those who have served. We remember that through their service, veterans contribute to global peace and stability. Their efforts in conflict zones help prevent the spread of violence and foster international cooperation.

Here’s to Veterans and Remembrance Day as a perfect time to reflect on the many ways veterans impact our lives, both visibly and behind the scenes. Men and women of the past, present and future, who should be remembered every day for their service and the life that we so easily take for granted.

For over 12 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T™.  He continues to be thankful for the life he lives because of the sacrifices others have made.

© 2024 D. Paul Graham.

You can reach Paul by email at dpg@imagegraham.com

“Monday 5 Things” ™ and M5T™ are trademarks of D. Paul Graham