Will's Grandfather, and coming to America

My grandfather was the younger of 2 boys, and was born in Kiel (Northern Germany). He was only 2 years old when Oma took him, his older brother (Hans, who died just before last Thanksgiving) and herself to America.

Speaking 4 languages, but none of them "English", I can only imagine the difficulty is starting a new life for the 4th time, moving so far away from he family and the cities that she knew and loved. Oma was as proud and stubborn as she was intelligent. She had a husband who mistreated her and the boys, and worked in what today would be considered very menial jobs to support her small family.

In this background, my grandfather, Werner Weigt, was taught the vitality of finding work and working together as a family to make life all that it could be. Oma had a hard time learning English, and paid to take English lessons at night for 2 years before mastering the language (her 5th!). According to Werner, she rarely spoke German around the boys, so that they would have an easier time learning English. They were born far away, but they were to become Americans.

Becoming an American, for myself, was as simple as surviving my 55-hour birth (no kidding...ask Mom!). For my grandfather, being born in Germany became a problem as he entered manhood. Turning 18 in 1943, and having been born in Germany; his Naval Records were stamped: "ENEMY ALIEN" as he was drafted into the U.S. Navy. His brother, being born in Holland, was: "ALLIED ALIEN".

I bristled as my grandfather told me of his naval designation. I asked if he was bitter about a nation that forced him to serve while being suspicious of his exemplary life so far. He surprised me as he recalled that he was thrilled because it would allow him to do 2 things: 1) prove that he was only loyal to America, the only home he ever knew, and 2) earn his U.S. Citizenship.

Staying-on in the Navy after V-J Day in 1945, Werner did earn enough service credits to become an American Citizen. In the many years we shared, I have never heard this man complain about the sacrifices necessary to secure a better future for your family in America.

This Memorial Day, as you enjoy a grilled hot dog, and your favorite cold beverage as the sun sets...take the time to thank a vet for putting their future in jeopardy...to guarantee yours.