When I was a young boy, our family schedule on Sundays always included a trip to my grandmother’s (Nana’s) home along with all 32 cousins and 22 aunts and uncles. Typically, the adults enjoyed Italian desserts and loud discussions around the table, while the cousins played outside or in Nana’s basement.

Part of her basement décor was a portrait lineup of her 11 children across the wall. Being so young, I never gave much thought to the fact that 7 of the 8 boys were wearing military attire. As I grew older, I began to ask questions. This is a story about my heritage, my country, and our family.