REMEMBERING all WHO HAVE SERVED our country

[barbaranoela]

And for those who gave their lives to keep us safe----
U are all HERO;S---

Blessings for U all and your families~~~

Barbara

[Gloria]

I just came back from seeing the Memorial Day parade in Chicago. What a sight it was to see our men and women in uniform proudly represent our country. They are all heros.

I told my grandchildren (who were with us) to clap loudly or wave their flags every time a group of them went by. One veteran in the parade was so thrilled to hear me applauding that he came over and thanked me and handed me a flag.

Gloria

[barbaranoela]

Gloria!! that had to be a great feeling for U---how wonderful for U to have this flag to treasure and have such a wonderful story to go with it!!!

Next Saturday--our town has its parade and its a sight to see how proudly the remaining vets march--and those who cannot are transported in decorated flatbed trucks!!!!


We met a WW2 vet in a small diner ---and we got to talking---his stories made U shudder---he was in the *gliders* where the planes dropped them over enemy terrority and--as he put it--many didnt survive the landing and if they did--they were attacked and beheaded--

He was so proud talking---and his daughters just smiled---

Have a good weekend--
Luve Barbara

[jodibelle352]

Today there was a Memorial Service at the Riverside Cem. where they read the names of all the soldiers who gave their lives from our small community of Vassar.
David's brother Bob died in battle back in 1945 in Belgium. He was only 19 years old. It gave both of us goose bumps/chills when Robert James Everts name was read. David was only 4 yrs. old when his brother died he is now 68 yrs. old so he has been telling me all about Bob and how his family was told of his death. It's amazing how something like this was so traumatic for his family that even though he was only 4 he still remembers almost every detail and even when his brothers body was brought home on a train and how at that time soldiers took turns standing guard at the funeral home before his burial.
We have the flag that was draped over Bobs casket and what makes it so special is the fact that it only has 48 stars. You don't see many of those flags anymore. We also have the small banner that hung in the window of his home while Bob was at war. And when he died a gold star was added to this banner in the center designating that they had lost a son.
Anyways, I think it's awesome that you started this post Barb so that we can all share memories and special things we're doing to observe our men in service.
God Bless America and God Bless All of You!
Jodi

[barbaranoela]

I called my Uncle Walt (also known as Uncle Muscles) today to tell him how proud I am of how he served his country---he was in the Navy---all my other uncles were Army----and Uncle Muscles is 85--\Thankfully they all survived the war---passed on of ailments--

I had told this story before----I was in Fall River--vacationing with my grandparents-(my Aunt Jean and Uncle Chum lived upstairs)while I was just walking around I noticed a soldier walking with a gimp coming up the road---it was my Uncle Chum----I was Xcited---he put his fingers to his lips (indicating *shush* and smiled) but I ran screaming to Aunt Jean-----Its Uncle Chum its Uncle Chum--he is home!!!!
Aunt Jean came flying outta the house and ran to Uncle Chum--crying and hugging~~~~he caught some shots in the fighting~~

And there I was--jumping up and down clapping my hands~~~~~so happy~~~

Then I think of my Uncle Stanley that died while in training---the War department sent a letter saying fell onto a live BOMB---he was brought home and my grandparents had Uncle Stanley laid out in the living room---it was so very sad----he was so young and I adored him---

Grandparents didnt know anything about questioning this Xplanation----I often wondered about *live* ammo being used --way back---but Louie said they did!!!

I think of Omaha Beach and of all that died there~~~

Barbara