The Stories We Don’t Always Get to Hear

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." -Marcus Garvey

Growing up, I knew my grandfather was a Veteran. He served as a JAG officer during the Korean War. At a young age, I knew that this was an important part of his life, but at the time, I didn't fully understand what it meant or what his experiences might have been like. By the time I was old enough to ask those questions and desire to hear his story, he had already passed away.

As I grew older, I began to realize how much history can exist within a single person. I wanted to hear the stories of his service, the people he met, the adventures he went on, and the moments that he experienced that I will never get to hear firsthand. That realization made me think about how many other families experience a similar situation to mine; the history is lost before it is shared.

This blog was created due to that realization. While I cannot go back and hear my grandfather's stories, this project is a space where other voices can be heard and remembered for others. By collecting and sharing personal history, the goal is to ensure that the experiences and memories that shape our community and lives are preserved for future generations.

All the images above are of my Grandfather during his time in the Korean war.