Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day

But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye. ~ Thomas Dunn English

I come from and am surrounded by veterans. My dad lied about his age (he was 17) and joined the service to fight in WWII. He refused to talk about his time there, but mom tells me he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and when he died I inherited many, many pictures of him in Germany with other army buddies. No name, no places, no dates on the back, but plenty of memories of his heroism.

My DH fought in Desert Storm. We've talked about his time over there a little, but like my father, he doesn't like to speak of it. Some things, he says, are better of not shared.

My brother was in the air force, my uncle served in Korea. My BILs (one of whom served during Desert Storm) and FIL were both in the service.

I have amazing respect for the servicemen who offer to lay down their lives so I can have the freedom we enjoy here in America.

Please take some time to remember them. One song/video, "American Soldier" is one we should all watch and remember...embedding was disabled, and I know many of you don't enjoy country music, but I encourage you to take a moment and watch this.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day.

11 comments:

Ceri Hebert said...

My thanks to your family and their sacrifices for our country. I come from a long line of military men (and an aunt who was a nurse in Korea during the war).

Excellent song.

Dru said...

Happy Memorial Day.

Great song.

CJ said...

It seems like your family has done more than its share. I thank them, one and all.

My father was also in WWII - stationed in Hawaii. I can't remember him every saying anything about it. Most veterans, the ones who have seen war at its ugliest, usually don't talk about it, do they?

I hope you have a beautiful day today, Marianne.

cjh

Jen said...

My thanks to your family members and all the men and women who have so selflessly served us over the years.

My heart goes out to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

My father also served in WWII in the Pacific. His brothers served in Europe. My father did speak of his experiences a bit, and I now have all the letters that he and his brothers sent back and forth.

Jen said...

The video made me cry, btw.

Marianne Arkins said...

Made me cry, too... always does.

Tori Lennox said...

My thanks to your family, too.

Keri Mikulski said...

Love this post!! Thanks to your family.

Happy Memorial Day, Marianne.

Brandy said...

All my brothers served in different services at one time or another. I have many a great uncle that served as well, that have now passed. Chris served for 10 years in the AF, so I have nothing but respect for those who place their lives on the line for our freedom and others as well.
Thank you!

Diane Craver said...

Thank you for sharing about the military heroes in your family - God bless each and every one of them for their great sacrifices for all of us.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Ah, see? Great minds think alike with that pic. LOL!