I do not think many people my age, including myself, could not fully grasp with the sheer scale of a conflict like World War II. An event that shattered and took away numerous peoples lives and livelihoods. We do not understand the courage it took from these soldiers to willingly go onto the battlefront and potentially lose their lives for a greater cause. Unfortunately some of these men have been lost to the sands of time, and it is up to researchers to discover and recapture their memories. Every soldier that died impacted a family member or a friend in a way only they can understand. I think I have a better understanding of what the war meant to these soldiers, and what their sacrifice meant to their family, friends, and brothers in arms. If I could talk to Edwin Neely, I would ask him what his happiest memories were and his experience in the war. I would just want to hear him speak and gain a deeper understanding of the man I have learned so much about in the past month. My most important source was Find A Grave, which held photographs of Neely and his family, as well as quotations from the people who knew him best. Gratitude is completely redefined for me, and every day I and hopefully many others will try my best to earn the freedom we possess today. I am grateful for their great sacrifice that has shaped the modern United States, and sometimes I wonder if our generation is truly worthy to follow in these soldiers footsteps.