Remember those who gave the gift of freedom

On Memorial Day every year, we honor the more than 1 million men and women who lost their lives defending America in wars from the Revolution to the Global War on Terrorism.

American Legion posts across the country will participate in or host Memorial Day services and place American flags on the graves of our fallen servicemembers.

May 30 is a time for us as veterans to reflect on the bravery of the men and women who sacrificed so much for our freedom and remember our fallen comrades. For World War II Pearl Harbor survivor and Legionnaire Charles Sehe, writing is his way to remember and honor his comrades who lost their lives on December 7, 1941.

At only 18 years old, Sehe was nearly killed aboard the USS Nevada – which was moored 75 feet from the USS Arizona – in Pearl Harbor. He had just finished eating breakfast at a table with seven of his shipmates when the first Japanese bomb struck early Sunday that morning in 1941, killing 50 of the ship’s 1,500-member crew. "Another fellow and myself were all that was left at that table at the end of the attack," he said.

He recalled in a letter to family that as his ship pulled away, "a tremendous, fiery explosion ripped the Arizona apart, showering the decks of the Nevada with hot, searing, metallic debris, burning many of them to death."

Sehe currently resides in Mankato, Minn., but was born in Geneva, Ill., where he holds a Legion membership at Post 75. Though it’s been 14 years since he’s returned to his hometown to speak at Post 75’s annual Memorial Day parade, Sehe remains in communication with the post commander through letters.

"He is a very prolific writer about his experiences in the war, particularly that day on December 7," said Post 75 Commander Daniel Clark. "It’s almost like a haunting if you will. Since he survived he feels he needs to write so people don’t forget the friends he had that passed away that day."

Sehe’s writings about his war experiences are on display in the Geneva History Museum and in his book "Battle Born: The Unsinkable USS Nevada." He has also spoken at the USS Nevada Memorial in Carson City, Nev., to keep the bravery of his fallen comrades alive.

Many American’s don’t understand, and some forget, the realities of war. But for Sehe, the memories of war "remain in the minds and bodies of the wounded and scarred."

As Sehe continues to share his World War II story at 93 years old so we may never forget the bravery of the greatest generation, I’m reminded yet again of why Memorial Day is so important – we remember those who fell in battle to bestow on all of us the gift of freedom.