The object I would choose to pass down is my Dad’s treasure chest. My family is complicated, to say the least. On my Father's side, I know my family to the extent of my great-grandparents. Beyond them, I don’t know who my ancestors were. My dad was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He enlisted for three years as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. After his contract was over, he went into the reserves for a year. Then he got accepted into Officer Candidate School. As an officer, he became an Aeronautical Engineering Duty Officer. Rising up the ranks and retiring as a Commander. In total, he served for 30 years. Occasionally when I ask him about his career in the navy he says it was like being in prison. Other times he talks about having the greatest adventures of his life while he was serving. 
     Once retired he’d gathered all the items since the beginning of his journey inside the chest shown. I would like to pass down the chest not including all of the items originally in it. I mainly want to focus on two items that stood out to me when I went through it. First would be his photo album because not only does it have pictures of him when he was younger, but also of him smiling. The second is his bosun whistle. I like how its purpose is to only be used once and never used again. From that point, he ended that period of his life. Despite having no previous heirloom I hope to preserve the chest for many years to come. 

– C

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