My object is an infantry shovel that my grandfather used during his time in WWII. Infantry shovels were collapsible & used to dig trenches during wars. This shovel traveled with my grandfather in WWII, came back to Boston, and then used years later by my family to dig the car out of sand on the beach when off-roading. The object is not a pretty one, it is a infantry shovel that was originally used 70 years ago. Although it is a functional object, it also serves to remind us of my grandfather. It represents how our family has evolved over time, but how we remember the past. It shows family connection. My grandfather died 30 years ago, but we have this object that was part of his life & the unique memories that come with it. My grandfather was born in Ireland and at 13 moved to Boston. In WWII, he went through North Africa & Europe. Wherever he went in the war, he carried the shovel with him. Eventually, he brought it back to Boston. He had children & used the shovel during family camping trips. He lived a remarkable life in Boston with his family. After his death, my parents used the shovel at the beach when off-roading. The blue spray painted shovel now sits in our basement waiting to be used again on another journey. It’s been passed throughout my family and has had every use imaginable. It is a simple infantry shovel, but shows how my family values connection and closeness. It helps us remember my grandfather, his life experience, and his time with his family in Boston. It inspires us to keep these traditions and memories alive.

– GG

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant