WWII, A long and painful struggle against oppression and fascism.

My uncle served in the 101st. My brother's godfather with the 82nd (I remember one day, overhearing the two of them talking about Operation Market Garden (made famous with the movie: A Bridge Too Far). It was unusual, as they rarely talked about the War. Hearing them, they were larger than life for this young boy (at the time). My dad was too young for WWII, but ended up serving in Communications on the Maginot Line, after the war, just before Korean War.

it's curious you mentioned the Germans who served. While overseas, my dad met a German Officer, who served as a Surgeon. When dad got back as a civilian, he sponsored the man and his family to come to America.