Today, as I looked upon the new resting place of my dear great Uncle Lee, I had a revelation that left me distraught. Lee was a part of the World War II generation—specifically, he fought and was wounded in the Battle of Bulge. That global conflict, the worst our world has seen, defines to me what the cost of freedom was for the United States we have today. As a citizen of this country, I was embarrassed and disappointed with myself when I realized how much my generation and I take this costly freedom for granted. I don’t think we can truly appreciate it since we have not suffered what the world suffered then.

Lee’s generation knows the pain and suffering of what it means to be free—they understand patriotism on a different level from what my generation could ever imagine. I’m so thankful for the amazing patriot he was and his bold testament to the world as such a great, funny, and loving man to his family, first and foremost to his wife. Naturally, my first regret was that I did not know him better and did not visit with him more. His wartime generation could teach my generation a lot if we were so humble to listen.

As I sit here and think about what patriotism means to me and consider what it must have meant to Lee, I can’t help but shed tears in the memory of what dies along with him—an understanding of what it means to be an American, a citizen of this great country.

Funerals bring one to reflect on one’s own life. Lee’s passing encouraged me to have a more serious and solemn appreciation for all of the brave men and women of our nation who serve and have served us so dutifully.

My deepest sympathy and compassion go out to my family in this sorrowful time. May we not dwell on what we’ve lost, but instead look forward to what he taught us and how he inspired us.

Rest in peace, dear Lee.