Goodbye Uncle Keith by John Godfrey

I wanted to take just a minute to say goodbye to my Uncle Keith. Yesterday, October 9th 2009, we buried one of the true Hero's of what has been called the "Greatest Generation". Keith Shinault was a quiet, highly intelligent, respectful, and gentle man that lived mostly to himself.throughout his life. Through his sacrifice and service to his country he represented what has been good about America in the past, and in many instances he represents what is still good about the people of our nation. The people of America sacrifice to help those that cannot, or do not have the means to help themselves.

As a World War 2 Veteran and a Prisoner of War he sacrificed more than we give him, or those like him credit for. He served aboard a B17 Bomber, was shot out of the sky over Berlin Germany, he was wounded, and then captured. Finally toward the end of the war he was liberated and came home. Keith never complained about his rights or about what he felt that he should receive for his service. He simply lived a quiet life without fanfare. Without a doubt I believe that if a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, or member of the Coast Guard is sent into harms way by our government to protect our freedoms, then their needs should be taken care of when they return home. Help should be available to give them a chance here at home, especially if they are injured in the line of duty. In my opinion we could and should do more for veterans and less for illegals or those that will simply not work. However it seems that Keith's generation more than any other in our history, remained quiet and thankful for the victory they helped secure. They did what they did because they felt it was their duty and they loved their country.  

Tomorrow November 11th is Veterans Day so I'll give my Uncle Keith one more salute and say farewell for now. I'll end by saying thank you to all other veterans past and present including my son Kerry and my cousin Joe, because Freedom is Never Free!

Veterans and Americans can have a great Veterans Day because of what all veterans have done!

Its time to say thanks America!