The link below re-posts a published LinkedIn article from almost exactly 4 years ago. It’s also a tribute to my grandfather, a WWII hero and a member of the ‘least braggadocious’ generation — in my opinion.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/memorial-day-more-salute-less-sauce-please-s-c-nor-

Every Memorial Day (and Veteran’s Day) I’m reminded of the freedoms we enjoy daily and often without genuine gratitude, myself included.

From tweets and constant on-line political rants from either side, to freedom of religion, or the freedom to ‘not have’ religion, many forget that this freedom is NOT free. Countless men and women gave theirs lives so we may vent as well as thrive in this great country. Is it perfect? Absolutely not.

Lastly, if you don’t like the United States, you are technically allowed to exit the USA more easily than any other country. Now get back to your BBQs. Let’s all be more thankful on Memorial Day.

My father: Capt. Cord C. Smith, 2nd generation US Navy pilot

@2019, C.Nor