In Memoriam

Nick E. Morrison, Service # 35911900, Rank Private First Class, U.S. Army, Unit: 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, Entered Service From Ohio. Date of Death June 2, 1944. Buried Plot B Row 9 Grave 31, Sicily-Rome American Cemetery

Many Americans have the day off. They’re looking forward to barbecues and picnics, parades and games. Pursuit of happiness is good, albeit the Republic’s survival would be better served were Liberty pursued as vigorously as comforts and pleasures.

One way to connect with personal purpose is to reflect on those who came before us and endured great hardships and sacrifices, to bequeath to us, their heirs, a system of principles and laws designed to “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” Here are some men I will be reflecting on today:

My uncle Nick Morrison did not make it back from WWII. He was only 19 and gave “the last full measure of devotion,” sacrificing life, love and family. Think about that. I cannot imagine the agony my grandparents had to endure over the loss of their only son. Over 50 years later, a friend visited the Sicily-Rome Memorial Cemetery where he was laid to rest and brought back a photograph of his grave site which I gave to my mother. She still wept at the loss of her kid brother.

My uncle George Codrea was a Marine on Guadalcanal and also at Chosin in Korea. He passed away in 2006 and was interred at Arlington. I will always treasure that he took time out in his later years to support my RKBA advocacy by sending me news clippings to write about.

My uncle George Popa was also a Marine who served in WWII and Korea. He passed away in 2007 and was laid to rest at Old Mission San Luis Rey.

My father John Codrea was a Marine on Guam. He turned 21 on Pearl Harbor Day. Dad died in 2012 and was interred at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

This is a day I have much to contemplate, including a solemn obligation to prove worthy of those who went before, of those I miss. I’m sure it is the same for most of you and especially for those of you either in harm’s way or who desperately love those who are.