<img class="size-medium wp-image-194 alignright" title="My Grandfather, Dale Crank" src="http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/grandpa-300x246.jpg" alt="My Grandfather, Dale Crank" width="300" height="246" />Growing up in central Illinois I have numerous fond memories, many include my Grandfather Dale Crank.  Here he is in his Military Police (MP) uniform when he served during WWII.  Larger than life, he always welcomed me and my brother with open arms and usually put us to work when we visited his farm house in Dunlap, Illinois.  The smell of a burning brush pile, a damp basement and his zippo lighter will always be engrained in my memory.  My haircut could never be short enough for his military liking and I was always happy to oblige.  
<p style="text-align: center;">I remember the day mom got the call that he had passed.  Grandpa Dale liked his cigarettes and they eventually were the cause of his death. His funeral was something I won't soon forget even though it took place when I was a kid.  Many aged Veterans standing at attention saluting one of their own, one who's hand trembled from the Parkinsons that had taken hold of his body.  Bang!  Jump. Bang! Jump. Bang! Jump...21 shots rang out and I'll be darned if me and my brother didn't jump after each one.  The grief set in at that moment and we all began to weep as the United States flag was folded and handed to mom.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Many years have passed since that day but the happy memories from our time together will always be close by.  Mom volunteers at the local VFW which I think helps her stay connected to Grandpa. Sometimes it is hard to let go, but then again someone so admired should never be far from our hearts.  </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Happy Memorial Day.  Thank you to those that have served and continue to serve.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">God Bless.</p>