My Dad, Tribute to a true American Soldier

My Dad, Leroy Shupp, fought in World War II as a young man. Like so many others of his generation, he believed in his country and fought proudly. I remember when I was little and even as a teenager, I would sit with my Dad as he told me his version of the war and of his adventures in Africa. One night, as they were off duty, they were doing a little bit of drinking and everyone in their unit got drunk and bought a camel. I guess their CO was not too pleased the next morning to find the animal in their camp!

When I turned 11 my Mom ran off with someone who she thought was more exciting than quiet spoken Dad. Just as determined as he was to win the war, my Dad kept seven kids in clothes and sent us to school every day. He worked two jobs, planted a garden so we would have plenty to eat and worked his fingers to the bone to raise us. I hardly ever saw him. He worked a full time job during the day and a part time job at night. Sometimes he would be in his garden and I would join him there. He rarely spoke, but it just felt nice to able to spend time with him. He provided us with fresh vegetables and potatoes for our meals. It couldn't have been easy for him.

I grew up, got married and left to make my own way in life. My dad grew old, by himself. He never remarried. He lost several children. It had to be very hard on him, but I never understood how much. When my Father got sick, I eventually cared for him until the end. It was so hard because he was always the strong one.

I often wondered about his quiet life. I never understood his need for peace. I always thought he was letting the world pass him by because he never took chances or tried new things. Then, a few years back I watched an HBO special called Band of Brothers. It is a series about World War II and the story unfolded and told many, many stories of what the men of his generation had to go through. After that movie, I saw things in a whole different light.

I realized how grateful I should be for men like my Dad. If he didn't do anything more in his life while I was growing up, maybe it was because he did it all in his young life as a proud and brave American Soldier. He is the reason we live so freely in this country and I salute my Dad and men like him. I believe all Americans should be grateful every day because of the brave men and women who fought for our freedom. This is for you Dad, Thanks for your contribution to the American way.