Memorial Day - May we Never Forget!

67 years ago today my Dad, S.A. Parvin, was shot down over Nazi occupied Germany. The B-17 plane he was piloting was shot on a bombing mission. After making sure all of his men were out of the burning plane, Dad parachuted into a lake. His life was never the same. He would also be almost totally deaf.

Dad spent two years as a POW with most of his days spent marching across Germany and Poland. He saved the lives of many soldiers and was a constant source of encouragement to others. These stories were told to us by his fellow POW's - Dad never said a word. In fact, it was only in his diaries that he would sound discouraged with a desire to return home to his family. Dad's faith and strength sustained him through a difficult and horrible time until his camp was liberated and he was free.

What is amazing is that Dad rarely spoke of these years because he was humble. He was proud of his service but didn't want to draw attention to himself. He was loyal and strong and loved his country.

So for today, I don't talk about real estate. I want to remember those who have given us the chance to live free and to be able to choose our careers and inadvertently gave us an opportunity to be homeowners. We are free because of their sacrifices.

My Dad is no longer here but we always celebrated Memorial Day with thanksgiving for his return from war. Not all families are so fortunate.

On this Memorial Day...may we never forget.