Dateline: Everytown, USA

 

Memorial Day: My Hometown

 

Every Memorial Day I drive 10 minutes East to my hometown, Hampton, NH. I meet my sister and brother in law at their house, and most of the time others arrive- this year my nephew and his son Cayden (below)- and we all set off together on foot. Parade bound. 

 

 

We have our usual spots at the beginning of the route. 

 

 

This year, the parade was led by a Pearl Harbor survivor.

He was followed closely by our local veterans, including Uncle George (1 tour of Korea, 2 in Vietname) in the jeep, the Winnacunnet High School Band who played songs for each branch of the service this year, and of course the Boy Scouts, the Cub Scouts and the Girl Scouts.

Then we pep step it to High Street to meet the parade on the other side, and watch them lay the wreath at the War On Terror Memorial at the Legion.

Onto the cemetery for the Memorial Day services.

That includes the Pledge of Allegiance, invocation, a speaker, the anthem, recoginition of the veterans by war and branch (that's Uncle Norm second from left....he and the man to his left are both WWII veterans), the junior high chorus singing God Bless America......

....readying the little ones for the gun salute (that's my Dad who served during the Korean War, my niece, her daughter Sophia and Cayden again), Uncle George ordering the gun salute, Taps (which always makes me cry....well, this year I was tearing up at the start of the parade thinking of what the Pearl Harbor survivor must have witnessed. What can I say.)......

the tolling of the bell for each war, followed by the closing and the obligatory mingling.

Uncle Norm wanted to talk to the young recruit who particpated this year. 'Semper Fi Brother'.

And then, a closing shot of two of my favorite marines, before walking back to sister Di's for a BBQ with family and friends and to to enjoy the freedoms so many have fought for, and for which too many have died.

We were so glad to see the sun finally come out, just in time for Memorial Day.

Sunset Meadows

The day ended on a brilliant note. The sunset was blinding.

It was a good day.

Did you get to enjoy a long holiday weekend where you were? How'd you spend your time? Even though it rained, we still got a campfire in Friday night. A little rain wasn't gonna keep us down.

Have a great day.

Ciao for now,

A Debt of Gratitude to Our Veterans

A True Veterans Day Weekend

Our Veterans Day weekend was, well.....filled with veterans.

I mentioned on Friday that it was my Uncle George's 80th Birthday. Uncle George is one of my 'non-blood' Uncles. You see my parents lived hours away from any family, so their friends became our family.  Uncle George's surprise party was quite appropriately held at the American Legion in my home town, where he is very active and is the Post's Sgt. At Arms. 

Let me say this, when you're dealing with military, you better be on time.  We picked up my parents and sister Di and bil Al picked up the Colonel and his wife, Dottie and we all made it there at the same time as Uncle Norm (sister Di's godfather and our other 'non-blood' Uncle, who's 90th we celebrated earlier in the year) and his daughter MaryEllen.  Uncle Norm had attended the Veteran's Day services at the high school that afternoon, and was the oldest veteran there. Go Uncle Norm!

{waiting for his pal George, with my parents and sister Dianne behind him}

{Goddaughter and Godfather}

{Uncle Norm, Dad and Mom toasting to old friends

before the birthday boy arrived}

Just like clockwork, the Marine of the Hour arrives. 

{I think he had an inkling something was going on, but hadn't figured it all out}

Then he saw his sister, who flew in from the San Deigo area, and was really surprised.

{Mary Lou and Uncle George. We loved Mary Lou so much

we told her she needed to visit more often}

{"you people....you got me"}

We had some good laughs.

{Dad and Mary Ellen}

While Uncle George made the rounds of the room......

{with Col., Dottie and Uncle Norm}

.....got some more family love......

{from son and daughters}

Thanked everyone for coming.  As you can see by the sign, as I thought, Uncle George did a tour in Korea and two in Vietnam. Hoo-Rah.

Spent some more time enjoying the company and a fine meal.

{visiting with pal Jane}

Di got cozy with her new boyfriend.

{Di and Warren....this Marine had us busting a gut}

In fact, there were a lot of troublemakers at the party. 

{Uncle Norm, Gar and Al}

This group looks like trouble for sure....Semper Fi.

Then it was time for the Birthday Boy to cut the cake......with his sword!

{don't mess with a veteran}

A great night all around and a great birthday celebration for a Marine who deserves it. He's always there for others, so it was nice to see everyone gather to celebrate him.

Happy Birthday Uncle George.

This morning, I was back to the Legion to meet Di and Al for Veteran's Day services.

Elaine Weatherbee, has been signing our anthem since she was in grade school I think. She has a lovely voice and does our anthem justice.

Our speaker today, Mr. Nevins (I apologize for not remembering his rank in the Air Force), flew 1300 combat hours (that's just his combat hours, he flew over 2200 total). He spoke of how in Korea and Vietnam, 4% of the population served. I was quite surprised by how low the number was. He went on to say, that today there's approsimately .4% of the population serving. This stunned me as I thought it would be much higher.

 

That said, however many, we owe all our Veterans who have served and all our service men and woman who are serving, a debt of gratitude.  If you haven't already, thank a veteran today.

They have been there to protect our freedoms through so many battles. Many paid with their blood. Many lost their lives. Thanking those who are still here is the least that we can do to show our appreciation.

On The Way Home 

I reached our road in Stratham, and was so glad that the driver in front of me was paying attention. I say something to everyone who leaves our house....'mind for deer', for good reason. We have LOTS of deer on our road. Odd thing is, I don't think there is one deer crossing sign.  Thankfully, the driver saw them coming right out of the woods and walking right out in front of the car and making their way across the road. A couple of young ones. They headed up the lane to meet their pals. 

Can you see their three friends? I'll give you a hint since they're so good at blending. They're waiting for them up by the telephone pole.

It's supposed to be sunny and warm, but the sun is still trying to come out. Hoping it has it's way soon.

One last thank you to all the veterans and especially those who have been a part of my life....my Dad, my Grampy, Uncle Norm and his wife Auntie Auggie, Uncle George, my mother's brother Uncle Eddie, my Godfather Bo, my friend Gavin and Jeffrey Joe, the Col. and so many more. And here's to the new men and women who are serving our country, like my friend's son Matthew MacDonald who is currently in Afghanastan. May you all come home safely.

Enjoy your Sunday,

Friday....A Day To Catch Up & Freeform

What I'm Working On

Another day with lots on the plate. Some ad stuff, some bill work and some creating. Right now I'm working on a new illustration, inspired by a few of my friends this week...some recovering from Hurrican Sandy and others facing big moves and new beginnings.

I'm not sure how it will turn out in the end, but this is where I'm at.

The sky is brighter and the air is a little warmer. Sunday is supposed to be grand and I'm looking forward to some time in the yard this weekend.

Today happens to be my Uncle George's birthday. He's one of my favorite Marines.  If I'm not mistaken he served one tour in Korea and two in Vietnam, where he was injured.

Yes, I am wearing a fanny pack in the picture (Dads on the other side of Uncle George....he's Army). Totally dorky, but I do wish someone would make cool ones that were ultra hip because I like the convenience of that old fanny pack(or bum pack to the Irish, so as  not to be so 'offensive' ...wink wink...if you're Irish you' know what I mean).

Happy Birthday Uncle George.

Freeform Friday

In honor of Uncle George's birthday and the Marine Corps' tomorrow, here's something to get you marching. Click here if reading by email.







Have a great day and enjoy the weekend,

Simply Remember

The Memorial Weekend Plan

My plan on Memorial Day is always to simply remember.  I think it's extrememly important to remember those who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. Think of that. They've given their lives.

As this weekend begins, let's pay respect to those we have lost through all wars, those who served beside them, and our servicemen and women who serve today. As I see so many people still being oppressed around the world, I think it is fitting to make time, not only to remember those lost, but to enjoy our hardfought freedoms. Otherwise it would all be for naught.

Say thank you to the veterans in your life and those you meet who you may not know.

Here's to those in mine.

Here's my Mom with my Dad and my Uncle Norm a few years ago. My Dad was lucky. His engineering skills kept him on US soil during the Korean War, my Uncle Norm, not so much. He served during WWII and survived Guadal Canal and the Pacific campagin. He witnessed horrific things.  His wife Auntie Auggie, who we lost a few years ago, served as a nurse in WWII.

Then there's Uncle George, behind Col. Lessard (who we just call The Col), in the jeep.

If I remember right, I think Uncle George may have done one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. Wish I could say he made it home in one piece, but he didn't. He survived a horrible injury, but you'd never know it today. He leads the gun salute at the cemetery every Memorial Day.

Then there's my favorite Navy man. My godfather Boski, who I really miss.

Here's to all of you servicemen and women. I will never forget the sacrifice of those who didn't come home or those who were willing to serve their country.

Our Memorial Day plans are to do some stuff around the yard. I have work to get done first, but I sure would like to dig in the dirt in the next few days. I'd love to plant some of our vegetables and my window boxes. Beyond that, I'll attend the parade and services in my hometown on Monday, and then back to Di and Al's for a BBQ. Later that day, we'll pop over to our neighbors for another BBQ. There is always something going on in the hood. If the weather holds out tonight, burgers on the grill and a campfire out back are on the agenda, which sounds like the perfect way to enjoy our freedoms. 

What are your plans for this Memorial Day weekend and unofficial start to summer? What's happening in your corner of the world? 

ttfn,