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,

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,