The Legacy

 

The Legacy of Grandpa
By: S.S. Zemke

Grandma’s kitchen filled with the scent of her fresh baked enchiladas and cookies.
Grandpa Gilbert and I were the only two in the kitchen. Grandpa snatched one of the cookies.
“Shhh!” He said and smiled. I knew he had diabetes, and Grandma had him on a strict diet. I
smiled back and laughed. What could a six-year-old do to stop him? I don’t have many memories
with my Grandpa, but this is one that always makes me smile.

    I know several qualities about Grandpa from my mother. He was a talented artist, and his
love for art was passed down to her. I’ve always enjoyed my mom’s creativity with drawing,
painting, and organizing fun events. She is a well-loved artist in her community. It’s
exciting to see Grandpa Gilbert’s beautiful legacy of art passed down through the generations.

    She also said he reminded her of a Mexican Barney Fife. Barney was a deputy from the
T.V. show Andy Griffith, who always liked to brag about his talents and good looks. Grandpa
Gilbert liked to brag as a joke, reminding us of this character. He said, “If you look up the word
handsome in the dictionary, my picture will be there.”

    He always made people laugh with his stories, including the one of when he was a kid
and how he had a desire to have LaPina flour sack underwear. He said there were many thrifty
people back then that used flour sacks to make clothes, and he had longed for a pair of his own.
I learned how Grandpa Gilbert made the decision in 1948 to serve his country and
enlisted in the army at the age of nineteen. After training, he was assigned to serve in the 82 nd
Airborne Division (All-Americans) as a Radio Operator. Once he recovered from a medical
condition, he was reassigned to the 10 th Corp.

    In 1951, he served a one-year combat tour in Korea. After four years of service, he
honorably separated from the army. During his service, he was awarded the Bronze Service Star,
Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Korea
War Service Medal, and Parachutist and Glider Badge. He passed on his love for his country to
his children and grandchildren. Two of his sons enlisted in the army, my older brother joined the
Air Force, and my younger brother, the Air National Guard.

     Gilbert was a beloved father and grandfather. He left a legacy of joy,
art, laughter, patriotism, and fun. Although I may not have a lot of memories with him, his
stories will live on in the hearts of many generations to come.