I never met him.

But I have his name.

Walter.

When I was younger, my middle name embarrassed me.

David Walter Ellis.

I didn’t talk about my middle name.

Regret that now.

Walter L. Ellis died in Korea…in war…

May 8, 1951.

I was less than 1 month old.

My middle name, his first.

My middle name a memorial to my uncle.

It’s 2021, 70 years after his death.

He never knew me.

I never heard his laugh, his voice, never shook his hand.

But I am grateful for his enduring sacrifice…

Thank you for your freedom gift Uncle Walter.