🪖 To the Soldiers Who Made Me: A Memorial Day Salute

By: Damien J. Branch | May 26, 2025

Today isn’t just a Monday.

It isn’t just barbecue, beaches, or sales.

It’s about legacy.

The legacy I’m carrying was shaped by two men who wore the uniform — my grandfather and my stepfather. Both Army. Both proud. Both gone now… but never forgotten.

My Pop — my mom’s dad — served in World War II.

I don’t know his rank, his medals, or what he had to carry over there…

But I know he went, he served.

He did what so many today wouldn’t dare to do — walk toward the fight so the rest of us could live free. That’s enough for me to salute him every time I look in the mirror.

Then there’s my Dad — my stepfather.

He was artillery in the Army.

Worked that heavy machinery, put in real time.

Cold War era. He got an honorable discharge.

We still keep his plaques up in the house.

We still got his flag.

Actually, I got both of their flags now.

Folded. Respected. Protected.

You see, a lot of people don’t realize the weight of that uniform.

The freedom to run a business, to speak your mind, to raise your family in peace…

That didn’t come cheap.

Men like my Dad and Pop paid that tab in advance.

And even though I never served, I always respected the call.

Not everyone can go to war — I wasn’t drafted, I had no brothers, and that chapter wasn’t written for me.

Though I can still honor the ones who did go.

The ones who never made it back.

The ones who came home changed but still stood tall.

So, this post is for them, and every vet who’s still here — tired, aging, quiet — but deserving of every discount, benefit, salute, and word of thanks we can offer.

If you’ve got a loved one who served, hug them today.

If they’re gone, speak their name with love.

Because without them, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

Thank you, Pop.

Thank you, Dad.

You helped me become a man just by showing me how to carry something bigger than myself and thank you to every veteran out there — known and unknown — who ever stood up for someone else’s freedom.

We see you.

We remember.

We honor you.

Not just today — but every day.

✊🏾USA!

— Damien J. Branch