Honoring Grandpa this Veterans Day

About five years ago, I requested my grandpa's World War II service records from the National Archives. I did this because Grandpa never talked about his service and I was curious what ship he was on (he had served in the Navy).

To my surprise, Grandpa was part of a unique unit that only existed during World War II. This unit was called the First Joint Assault Signal Company, which was a few Navy signal men and radio men attached to Marine Divisions. I found out Grandpa was in seven battles, including Iwo Jima, of which he was commended for.

Grandpa passed away in 1995 and only had a few dollars to his name. He died in low-income housing. Grandpa meant the world to me. I told him when he was dying that “I would make him proud.”

His name was John Rinderknecht and he lived all his life in Cedar Rapids. When he died, he left us grandkids with $50 each. Well, in hindsight, he left us with a lot more - freedom and what it means to have honor and be unselfish and never boastful.. Grandpa never boasted or asked for anything. In an era where the individual is often celebrated, he and his generation exemplify unselfish sacrifice for the future of others.

It would mean the world to me and my family, if Grandpa and his service would be recognized on Veterans Day as a way to honor my commitment to him and to thank all veterans.

Matt Rinderknecht

Cedar Rapids