During picnics and parties this Memorial Day weekend, we encourage you to take a minute and remember the Americans who have given their lives in military service for our freedom.
Without them, we wouldn’t have the life we each have today.
Retired CEO, RAD DeRose, would like to share his Father’s memorial day story:
Bob DeRose was born October 3,1924 and dreamed of becoming a pilot. He joined the military his freshman year in college and became a US Navy Aviator during World War II (he was flying from carrier ships long before the use of technology).
His last mission in the service was to fly observers up and down the coast of Japan’s beaches during the U.S. invasion. He was told to land his plane on the beach when it ran out of gas, and they would come and pick him up.
During his time in service, he shared that he never made plans for his future.
The next events in the war would change his life forever. The bombing in Nagasaki and Hiroshima canceled his mission to Japan.
He completed his military service, went back to college, became an engineer and lived a wonderful and full life through December 26, 2014.
His legacy lives on with three children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. His family is now made up of CEO’s, scientists, lawyers, teachers, engineers, and healthcare professionals and the future with his GREAT grandchildren is yet to come.
It’s incredible to think about the family he brought into this world; the family he didn’t think he would ever have.
This weekend, we honor and remember Bob DeRose’s fellow service men & women, as well as those who have lost their lives in service to our country.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all of our service men and women, who continue to risk their lives for us every day.
