A symbol that reminds me that we are one nation whose freedom is protected every single minute by men and women willing to give their lives to protect that freedom.
My grandpa served in both world wars. He and my grandmother wrote many letters back and forth during this time. They numbered everyone. My grandma saved them all. A very personal glimpse into their lives. I will revisit them today. Two stand out.
One he wrote in a trench in France while on the front when he thought he might not make it back. He later received a medal from France for that battle. The other was a list of booze he wanted her to buy with his check before prohibition became law. Oh, grandpa.
So thanks to him.
My dad was also a soldier. He taught me respect for the actual flag. It was very special to him. He put up a large flagpole on his property and flew the flag every day. I learned to put it up and take it down and fold it correctly for the next day.
So thanks to him for teaching me that.
And thank you to every single person who has sacrificed in any way so we can continue to have the freedoms we cherish.
Thank you to my kids band director ( Marine) for taking my kids to the Pearl Harbor memorial where they took part in ceremonies with the Marines in honor to those who fought. This had an enormous impact on them.
Thanks to my husband whose entire career was focused on keeping our troops safe. He took this responsibility very seriously. Thank you to the friends who lost their lives doing the same thing.
I read some letters to and from my Uncle today. He died during WWII at the age of 19. I can’t even imagine how it impacted my 9-year-old father.
He was a pilot and died in a plane officially called the Martin Marauder (B26) but unofficially called the Martin Murderer, Baltimore Whore, Flying Coffin, B Dash Crash, etc. He never made it to actual combat which seems even sadder.
My grandfather was a sea captainin in both WW1 and WW2. Still have his logs. Fascinating reading. Dad was a
Yank in the RAF in WW2. He was born in Northern Ireland and told he could not join the US forces. He loved the USA and was a citizen. But he was proud to be a pilot in the RAF. My uncle was a survivor in the WW2 Battle of Lady Gulf. Floated in the Pacific for many days. Cried when he rarely told the story until the day he died. My D also did not talk about his war experience much. It was horrific.
My FIL was in the Army in the Korean War. Luckily for him he saw no battle.
My sister was a Lieutenant in the Air Force. She died this past October. Her children made sure she had a military service. She served during the Vietnam era. She signed up to go, but ultimately saw no battle.
Brother was an MP in the Army. He was drafted immediately upon graduation from college. He was also Vietnam era.
Very proud of them and all who serve, have served and all who have died in service. I just wish there was no need for their service!
@greenwitch
Not the same plane, but a good read about WWII planes and pilots; have you read @ 81 days below zero" ? True story about a pilot surviving after crashing in Alaska. Those pilots were amazing and the planes were … Well, the best we could pump out that fast.
I haven’t heard of that but I’ll look it up, thanks!
I live near the WWII museum and our pilots had a really, really hard time until the Mustang was invented later in the war. My Uncle could have been lost in many ways but he was excited to see action soon since they had all been just given shots for yellow fever and tetanus. So sad.