Happy Veterans Day to everyone who has put their lives on the line in service of our country.

On Thursday, I went to the Greater Lynn Senior Services Veterans Day Luncheon, which honored Lynn veterans ahead of today’s holiday.

During the event, I couldn’t help but let my mind wander and think about the veterans in my life, especially my great grandfather, Tom Levine.

My Papa Tom and his brother, Herb Levine, served in the Air Force during World War II. They grew up in Revere and my Papa Tom spent his final years living with one of his sons in Peabody.

After losing his brother during the war, my Papa Tom lived until 2007 and was fortunate to meet his three sons, nine grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. I was one of those 10 great grandchildren and was 7 years old when my Papa Tom passed away.

I remember spending nearly every Sunday morning at Family Fare Restaurant in Peabody, with Papa Tom sitting at the head of the table with a warm smile on his face. He always ordered an extra side of Canadian bacon and cut it up for me and my cousins. He never shared it with his own kids or grandchildren; it was reserved for his great grandchildren. We would return to his house and the great grandchildren would run around in the backyard. When it was time to leave, each great grandchild would give Papa Tom a hug and a kiss while he sat in his comfy leather chair. He would return the love with a snack-sized container of Oreos or Chips Ahoy cookies.

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 66,143 WWII veterans are still alive in 2024. This is approximately 0.4% of the 16.4 million citizens who served in the war.

That means there are only 66,143 stories left from the generation that reshaped this country. The generation that traveled across the globe to defeat an unmatched evil that was sweeping across Europe and Asia.

My Papa Tom was one of those stories. His voice — his story — was lost in 2007.

I wish I knew more about his story.

I wish I could have thanked him for his service, and really meant it when I said it.

Today, I remember what I can of him. Even though I was only 7 years old, I think of him, his admiration for Canadian bacon, and his endless love for his family.

I urge everyone reading this to reflect on the veterans in their own life.

Ask yourself if you really know their stories. If you don’t, then learn. Ask questions. Don’t wait until it is too late to show them love and offer them the time to share their stories.

Today it is important to honor the veterans in your life, but every day it is important to love them.

They put their entire lives on the line for our country, and they deserve to be repaid with our gratitude every day for the rest of their lives.

Veterans, I assure you: Every day is Veterans Day.

Adam Levine is the Item’s Lynn reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].