My maternal great-grandfather, Charles William Harris, served in the U.S. Navy in World War I.

My grandfather, Charles Jerome Harris, told us every day, since even my mother was a child, about his own Naval service in World War II.

Even with dementia, he remembered how proud he was to be American, how much he loved and respected this country, and how determined he was to serve to protect it and keep his family safe.

He often told us this story about someone stealing his clothing overseas while he was on the Navy ship—and how he will never forget it—and he didn’t.

We got him a U.S. Navy hat and jacket, and he wore them proudly every day. He was honored with a military funeral and was buried with his hat. 🇺🇸