Member-only story
“What Did You Do, Nonna?”
What will your legacy be from this time in history?
Growing up, my Grandma Ruth told me stories about her time as an army nurse in WWII. She told me about being stationed in London just after the Blitz, complete with photos in her album, black and white, faded a bit with age. It was something that she would remember, even into her demetia years.
She and my Grandpa Nick were both in Europe during the war, helping to liberate Europe from Hitler’s facist regime. Grandpa was a cartographer, present at the Battle of the Bulge. He was quiet about his service, at least to me, but that doesn’t lessen his sacrifice. They wouldn’t meet and marry until almost 10 years after the war, but it was something that they had in common. Grandma was proud of her service (I’m sure Grandpa was, too!), and I am so grateful to be the keeper of their uniforms today. When she passed, there was a gun salute at her funeral in honor of her service.
My Grandpa Ballantyne also served during WWII, but wasn’t stationed overseas. He was very young when he joined up at the end of the war, but was, rightfully, very proud to have served his country.
Hearing my grandparents’ stories makes me proud of them. Exceptionally proud. They did something important, something good. They fought against evil, against fascism, against dictatorship. They were the good guys…
