"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example."
— Benjamin Disraeli
On this Veterans Day, I’d like to share a story I’ve never told before—one that's personal and still unfolding.
Two years ago, my hero passed away suddenly. You might not have known, as we mourned and grieved in private. But today, I’m ready to publicly acknowledge his absence and to honor his 40 years of naval and federal service.
My Stepfather was the reason I wore a naval uniform for 31 years. A stoic figure in my life, he taught me discipline, patience, and perseverance. I often joke that life at the United States Naval Academy was far easier than being raised under the roof of a Puerto Rican Navy Master Chief.
After 19 months on the waiting list, we finally laid him to rest this past April in the hallowed grounds of Arlington Cemetery—with the full military honors he rightfully deserves.
Life has a strange way of closing one door while pushing another wide open. During the emotionally overwhelming task of settling my parents’ estate in California, I came across a large envelope addressed to my mother. It was postmarked 1998 and bore a return address from the National Archives of Canada. Inside, I found a formal letter responding to her request for her father’s service records and photocopies of his military history.
I don’t recall my mother ever mentioning her quest to learn about her father. He had died in combat during World War II. As a veteran myself, I found the records captivating, and my curiosity drove me to research further. The online Canadian archives contained even more details than I could have imagined.
My grandfather’s story emerged in unexpected ways—a wartime affair with an English woman, my grandmother, during his deployment in the United Kingdom. His pay records showed that he provided for her and my infant mother until his death just weeks before my mother’s first birthday. The records even listed his burial location: Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands.
Last month, my husband, my best friend, and I took a trip to Tuscany, Italy and we decided to spend a few extra days in Brussels. From there, we rented a car and drove three hours north, crossing into the Netherlands, with one purpose in mind: to visit my grandfather’s grave.
Nestled in a quiet forest, we found the cemetery—a beautifully kept resting place for 2,610 Canadians and nine soldiers of other nationalities. My grandfather’s marker lay at the front of the second row, simple yet profound.
Standing before his grave, I felt something I can’t quite put into words. This veteran, whose brief chapter with my family led to another generation of service, somehow brought me here. I wouldn’t have discovered this piece of my family’s past if I hadn’t embarked on this journey after my hero passed away.
18 Comments
Dec 3, 2024, 2:21:05 PM
Laura Hatcher - Thank you Gary, great to hear from you! Go Navy!
Dec 3, 2024, 2:18:09 PM
Laura Hatcher - Thank you Terri!
Dec 2, 2024, 5:52:04 PM
Gary Rheam - Amazing story. Thanks for sharing. I am very impressed with how well kept the cemetery is to honor the soldiers.
Dec 2, 2024, 7:17:14 AM
Terri Jackson - Wow! What a gorgeous story, heartbreaking, but beautiful in that way that is both hopeful and heartrending. The grounds are so lovingly attended. Thank you and your family for your service to our country and to each of us who enjoy freedom on daily basis.
Dec 1, 2024, 5:34:25 PM
Laura Hatcher - Thanks for taking the time to read! Cheers Laura
Dec 1, 2024, 5:08:58 PM
L.M.D.D. - Thank you for sharing. Knowing our past can help us understand our future and who we are. BZ to you. Stay safe and keep seeking knowledge.
Nov 30, 2024, 9:54:17 AM
Laura Hatcher - Thank you Dorrie!
Nov 27, 2024, 3:41:20 PM
Dorrie Pernette - A Bit more for our family tree Laura. I’m glad you got the chance to discover his graves d what a brilliant write up you did! Love and hugs. 🤗 😘
Nov 19, 2024, 8:47:40 PM
Laura Hatcher - Good to hear from you Classmate! Thank. you for taking the time to read.
Nov 16, 2024, 2:29:20 PM
Rob Mathewson - Thank you, my friend!! I’m so glad you took the time and shared it!! Love!!!
Nov 12, 2024, 4:54:09 PM
Laura Hatcher - Thank you John!
Nov 12, 2024, 4:53:46 PM
Laura Hatcher - Thank you Karen!
Nov 12, 2024, 4:53:10 PM
Laura Hatcher - Thank you Stefanie!
Nov 12, 2024, 4:52:18 PM
Laura Hatcher - Thank you Steve, great to hear from you!
Nov 11, 2024, 7:37:59 PM
Stefanie - What a beautiful story of discovery!
Nov 11, 2024, 4:44:11 PM
Karen Bonaby - Laura, your story about your journey to find your grandfather's grave made me smile and tear up at the same time. Thank you for sharing and thank you for yours, and your family's service!
Nov 11, 2024, 3:32:53 PM
John Cordle - What an amazing legacy!
Nov 11, 2024, 10:34:17 AM
Steve Workman - This is a great article. I'm so happy for you that you got the chance to visit your grandfathers resting place. Thank you for sharing this very private story.