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Family from all over the globe gathered to honor this man, my Grandfather, who graduated from West Point 70 years ago.  

May 1941 was an uncertain time.  As he graduated, the US had taken decisive steps to end neutrality, having still not "officially" entered the fight – that would come in December.  It must have felt like the world was descending into madness as the maelstrom of war enveloped Europe and North Africa.  

Looking at this picture I can't help but wonder what he was thinking about – in the halcyon of youth seemingly undeterred by what may lay ahead.  (Given the importance of precision at West Point, I wonder if he was just happy to have made it through the graduation ceremonies without error!)   What I know for certain is this:  his recollections of his life and adventures make for great listening as they are filled with almost unbelievable moments of serendipity and amazing amounts of history.

I should have said at the outset:  I love my Grandfather to bits, especially his wit and sense of humour.  

Some of my fondest childhood memories (probably age 5 or 6) are of frequent visits to my Grandparents home in Los Altos.  On most occasions, my sister and I would jump out of the car (no car seats then), run to the door and, standing on tippy toes, use the knocker (one of those brass jobs that was huge in a small child's hands) to rap on the door.  Our grandparents had one of those split front doors – so the top part could open separately.  He would open the top, poke his head out and with a fake glower – a smile glimmering in his eyes – growl "We don't want any!" and shut the door.  But the smile, as he shooed us away, told me all I needed to know – we were loved and he was happy to see us.  A second or two later, he would open the door and we would dissolve into his hug.

He is an incredible man who is living an amazing life – a series of remarkable stories – too few of which I have been privileged to hear.  I am immensely humbled and proud of what he and my Grandmother "Buddy" (her nickname says it all) accomplished – partly, I guess because it includes my mom (who was an amazing woman with a sparkle all her own), me – the number 5 grandchild, my siblings, nieces, nephews, and my huge extended family – all spectacular people in their own right.  

I admire my Grandfather's zest for life, willingness to "get on with it" through hardship and loss, his dedication to principles, and his pride in the family he helped to create. He is, without question, one of my heroes.  I hope he knows how grateful I am to him for all he has given me 

The pictures in the albums below are from our time together as a family – aunts, uncles, cousins, great grand kids – the works.  Click on the underlined links to see the albums.

West Point , Storm King and Just Hanging Out

And Dawn, thanks so much for uploading this fantastic picture!