I am remembering my Grandfather who served our country 100 years ago in that terrible war. All I know is that he was in France, where he was gassed (most likely, Mustard gas) suffering no immediate or visible injuries.
He returned home and over the next 10 to 15 years, his eyesight deteriorated until he was blind. At that time the government and the military denied his blindness was the result of his service. He never received any remuneration for a service related injury. He suffered acute depression and was hospitalized.
Until his retirement, he was "the blind vet" behind the candy and cigar stand in the lobby of the main post office in downtown Chicago.
All three of his sons went on to serve in the military during WWII.
He was my Grandfather. I inherited his sharp memory and patriotism, and I hope to always be sharing his remarkable life story.
(photo taken in Harrisburg, PA, when he was 18 years old, circa 1905)
