I never met my Uncle Gerald as he passed away before I was born. This was his cadet rifle back in the '70s, when he was a cadet (military trainee).  In my family, many of my uncles and my grandfather served the country so it is part of the culture of my family.  It is a piece of history and connection to my late uncle. At a young age I saw it as just a fun toy but as I grew older and wiser I became intrigued by the history of it.  It is an unused object that my grandmother has displayed at her house in memory of her late oldest son.  Every holiday, when the entire family is at the house, my grandma finds time to tell the story. This object is a story in itself, and being a gun of course attracts the attention of visitors. The short, but meaningful story is told every time, and I believe each time it becomes richer. His memory seeps deep in the culture of the family and his rifle tells his story. 

– Courtney

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more