PROTECTING YOUR LEGACY OF SERVICE: IDENTIFYING IMPORTANT OBJECTS
After Albert Frost passed away on January 14, 2017, the Coast Guard veteran left behind a legacy of service and memories for his family. While going through his belongings, an error led to the donation of a prized possession to the local Goodwill charity store.
The prized possession was a ceremonial key to the city awarded to "Commander Albert Frost, USCGC Unimak, Washington, D.C. July 26, 1957." This key was stored in an old suitcase and through misunderstandings, donated without discovery.
In a series of amazing coincidences, the object made its way back to the family in time for the Coast Guard veteran's funeral in Arlington National Cemetery. Commander Frost's son John, also a Coast Guard veteran, was grateful to recover a sentimental and meaningful symbol of his father's life and service.
This story may not have had such a happy ending were it not for the fortuitous circumstances which brought the object back to the family. You can protect family heirlooms. At the very least, identifying them helps assist your loved ones pass your legacy to the next generation.
When you meet with an estate planning attorney, you can outline those personal items that you want to pass on to your family and loved ones. Help your family by having a conversation about sentimental items from your years of service. A lifetime of memories can be held in items small and large, but often the small items go missing or get donated without awareness. Just having a conversation about legacy can ensure the family history continues.