On Memorial Day, PCH Honors The True Winners: Military Heroes
Ah, Memorial Day! After weeks without a holiday, I’m so happy to have a long weekend, aren’t you? But amid all the excitement of barbecues and fireworks, blockbuster movies, and, of course, Memorial Day “Sale-ebrations,” it’s easy to lose sight of what Memorial Day is about: honoring our military heroes who gave their lives for our country. In recent decades, the occasion has expanded to salute our veterans, as well as members of the Armed Forces still serving at home and abroad.
Within our force of employees is one for whom this Memorial Day weekend is a profoundly personal occasion. From 1995-2001, Marc G., Head Designer for PCH.com, served with the U.S. Marine Corps as a Sergeant for Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, NC, also known as Spartan 2/6. Marc lost touch with many of his brothers in arms…until Facebook helped them plan a reunion! Now we share Marc’s excitement as he and 96 Marines of his unit gather in New York City to honor those who have fallen and those currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq since 9-11. Semper Fi!
For Senior Graphic Artist Mary H., this special day holds sweet memories of her parents’ whirlwind romance. Thomas and Eleanor met while stationed in Seattle during World War II. They knew each other all of two weeks when Thomas proposed! Problem was, back then women could not be married and stay in the Navy. After the wedding, Eleanor had to quit the WAVES and return home to Pennsylvania while Thomas, Fire Controlman 2nd Class — in charge of operating, maintaining and repairing weapon systems — went to war on the battleship USS North Carolina, at that time the greatest sea weapon in the world. Yet the war didn’t keep these love-birds apart for long — their “whirlwind romance” lasted 40 years!
For me, what Memorial Day is about is hoisting the flag in honor of the military men in my own family: my uncle Roger, who joined the Marines at age 17, but gave his life fighting in Guam in 1945; my dad, Al, a sailor on the destroyer USS Sturtevant (DD-240), a support vessel for the Marines in Central and South America during peacetime; and my older brother and nephew who also did their duty, serving honorably in the Navy and Army respectively.
On Memorial Day, everyone at Publishers Clearing House, even those without military family ties, recognizes what Memorial Day is about: honoring our military heroes — those who risk their lives to protect our country – because they are the true “winners.” To you who proudly wear a uniform of the American Armed Forces, we give our heartfelt thanks and our deepest respect.
Joyce W.
PCH Online Creative
P.S. Who is the hero in your life? Comment below to share your story with us and your fellow PCH fans!
