Service takes many forms, and all should be appreciated

I’ve been reading my grandfather’s diary.

For the year 1943.

Grandpa McCallum was a chaplain with a U.S. Army unit in the South Pacific. It’s a role I have always found interesting — men and women of peace operating during a time of war.

His diary is sparse, given it’s only 3.5 inches by 6 inches and limited to one page per day. Not a lot of room to elaborate on events. Or provide personal insights, editorialize fears, hopes.

Still, what’s said is illuminating.

Jan. 1 finds him in New Caledonia, waiting with other units for orders. On Jan. 10, he boards the transport ship U.S.S. Macauley bound...