A Slice of American Pie

Memorial Day, Anywhere, USA

Each year I go to my hometown's Memorial Day parade and services.

This year was no different, other than the fact I was missing my Memorial Day partners (my sister Di and my brother in law Al, who were up north for a surprise party this year).  G met me there and we did the usual routine beginning with watching the parade step off.

Then we waited to see Uncle George.

Here he comes.

Ah, there he is! (Korean War, and two tours in Vietnam. Semper Fi!)

The Marine ROTC was sizable this year.

 

Then we get a little pep in our step and marched along with the band.

 

All while continuing to take photos of the brigade of boy scouts, cubbies, girl scouts, brownies and daisies.

And the mounted police.

Then we cut through a side road to meet the parade on the back end once they've made their way through town.  They stop at the Legion Post to lay a wreath at the War On Terror Monument which lists the names of the service people from NH who have died in the War On Terror.

Freedom has the highest price of all.

Then it's on to the cemetery, where my parents stand at the gates, among the crowd that amasses there. (That's Dad amongst the flags- who served during the Korean War).

Waiting to salute and applaud our servicemen and servicewomen.

 

Then it's into the cemetery we go for Memorial Day services, which of course starts with the Anthem.

And of course recognition for our soldiers. That's U. Norm in the plaid. One of only a handful of WWII vets left who were present. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

 

We always have a featured speaker, this year Rear Admiral Thomas Richards, Navy Seal (ret), who's impressive 30 year career resume was longer than his speech!

 

The junior high girl's chorus, including sister Di's neighbor girls Jamie and Samantha (who is in high school and got called to 'stand in'), sing God Bless America and the crowd joins in.

Then gun salute, led by Uncle George and carried out by fellow members of Legion Post 35 (including our amusing pal Warren to U. George's left).

 

Heads are bowed, and I shed tears Taps is played, considering the huge sacrifice some have given for their country and freedom.

After the services conclude we get to say hello to some of our favorite Veterans.

As Mom and Dad say hi to their pal, Uncle Norm, G greets Uncle George coming up the rear.

It was not dissimilar to other years. A chance to pay homage to those who weren't so lucky and didn't come home.


The rest of our weekend was spent getting groceries at Trader Joe's followed by lots of yard work.  It's looking better out there in the back 40, but there is a long way to go.  So much to do, so little time. We fit in some war movies as well, some skyping with friends and family,  I baked an eggplant Parmesan and yesterday we smoked a chicken.  All in all, a full weekend.

I hope you enjoyed yours.

And when someone asks you how you're doing today, tell them 'excellent'! That's Uncle Norm's advice to his fellow residents at RiverWoods. I think it's worth repeating. Excellent!

Ciao for now,

To Veterans, One and All

Thank You

Today in the USA, it's a day to be humbled by the actions of others. It's a day to remember the sacrifices of our Veterans. It's a day to say a heartfelt thank you for their service.

I took time out of the day to attend the services in my hometown.  It was to the point. Give thanks. Give many thanks the servicemen and servicewoman who have give of their time and honored our country and protected the freedoms we all enjoy here.

It bears repeating. Just say thanks. It's not nearly what they deserve, but at least it's something.

On Veterans Day I think of all the Veterans who have been and are a part of my life: my Dad who served in the Army during the Korean War, my Grandfather who served in the British bicycle corps in WWI and knew the horrendous depths of trench warfare, G's grandfather and Uncles who served, my Uncle Eddie who was a medic, my Godfather who served in the Navy, my Uncle George who served in Korea and two tours in Vietnam where he was injured, my Uncle Norm who served in WWII in the Pacific theater and his wife Auntie Auggie who was a Marine Corps nurse who served in the islands during WWII, my friend Gavin who served in the Marines and his wife Sharon who also served, my neighbor who served on a chopper in Vietnam, my friend who captained a riverboat in Vietnam, my neighbor's dad who served in the Pacific theater in WWII, my friend who served in the Army, and my friends sons who have have served in Afghanistan and one still in the service.

The list goes on and I'm sure I've left someone out, but that's not the point. The point is all of our veterans, and their loved ones, all have stories of sacrifice to tell. Some more harrowing than others.  Ask and listen when a veteran is willing to tell you about their service because as Post Commander Fatello said today, 'if we don't the stories die as our old soldiers fade away'.

I searched online for veterans stories, to share a story about a veteran I don't know. What I found on my first search is quite a story.  Thank you to all the Veterans today, including Chalie Heinl who you can read about here.

I pray that someday the world will know peace.

Until that day and after, I will always, always be grateful for the sacrifice others have made for my freedoms. 

Ciao for now,

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,