The object I chose is a photograph of my late great grandfather Thierry Bourgeois. This picture is his military entrance photo. He was in the Air Force during World War Two. He was stationed in South Dakota. His job was to fly planes on covert missions. His routes were in Europe and the arctic circle to Russia. He would take surveillance on Nazi’s and Russian men. Despite Russia being some of our major allies we still ran checks on them as a precaution. His younger brother Zenon lied about his age to go and fight. He was only seventeen and chose to fight for our freedom. He fought on the ground in Europe. As shown in their names they are of French heritage. The Bourgeois side of my family immigrated from Nova Scotia. The other side the Senac’s came from France during the French Revolution. In my family I see a common goal towards freedom weather it’s fighting for it or seeking it. To be an American is to care about our freedoms and to protect the freedoms of those who are downtrodden.  In World War Two we fought for people who lost their freedom, such as the Jews. We ignored the societal walls of race and all shared a common goal of freedom seeking. Hearing these stories about the brave people in my family has taught  me a valuable lesson; to advocate for my personal freedoms and the freedoms of minorities. Looking at this picture reminds me to always speak up for others and fight to maintain freedom even when it’s hard.

– CB

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