Today, for Veterans’ Day, I’d like to remember some special people, and honor a couple of folks, too.
First, I’m remembering my brother-in-law, Ed. My sister, June, married Ed when I was just a toddler, so he was always like a big brother to me. Ed was on the USS Albany, was stationed in North Africa and cruised the Mediterranean. He was awarded a medal for the Korean War, although he never saw action in that war. Apparently he received the medal because he served during that time. Ed returned home aboard the USS Iowa. He and June always lived nearby, and I spent many happy hours at their house with them and their children. Ed passed away in 1986.
Today, I’m also remembering my Uncle Bennie, who was a World War II veteran. He was captured, but thankfully and miraculously, escaped from a prisoner-of-war camp in Germany. He returned home safely, and since he and his family also lived nearby, I saw him frequently. Uncle Bennie lived a long, active life, passing away in 2005, at the age of 83.
Today, I’m honoring my great niece, Gail, who’s serving in the Air Force. She’s currently stationed in Washington, but was home a few months ago, and we had lunch. She sent me this recent picture, taken at Mt. Rushmore. I think this is a great photo with members of our military, the flag and that American landmark in the background. (Gail is the third from the left.)
Now here’s the smile for this Veterans’ Day, involving another veteran that I’m honoring today: my father-in-law, “Pop”. Last year, our little town had a Veterans’ Day Parade, and Pop, also a WWII vet, was invited to ride in a vintage army jeep in the parade. Motor Man and I stationed ourselves at the end of the street, so we could get good pictures.
I promise there was no trick photography involved, and I haven’t edited this picture. This is SOOC (straight out of the camera). Does it not look like the driver was taking this turn on two wheels? But, really, it’s just a strange angle. By the way, that’s Pop on the far left in the white shirt. Hang on, Pop!
We have many friends who are veterans, and I know if I were to start naming them, I’d forget to mention someone. So – to all the vets and to those actively serving in our military, I thank you. It’s scary to imagine what our world would be like without folks like you.
these days of mine 
Lots of great photos honoring the veterans in your life. I had the great fortune to be raised in an Air Force family and have known so many exceptional and dedicated military folks all over the world. They joined to “serve and protect” and did, and do, just that. The world is a better and safer place thanks to them all.
Pam
Wonderful & heartfelt .. as it should be on this topic. I loved all the older photos especially .. and Pop looks proud to be riding in that jeep.
Bests to you today,
MJ
Thanks. Remember a few years ago Jr got an engine for my son’s Jeep when he returned from Afghanistan? Well since then he has been to Iraq and is now back in Afghanistan again, hopefully home soon. I went back and looked at some of his pictures with his team and was going to forward them to you to post. Then I realized some had been “lost” over the last couple years and decided against it. A very sober reminder of the cost. As a veteran I thank you for thinking of us.
Jerry
This is a wonderful tribute to our military. Thank you.
I love this blog, like everyone else. We have a long history of veterans in our family going back to the Revolutionary War….something everyone can be proud of.
You don’t know how many times I’ve looked for this picture of Uncle Bennie…I thought it was lost forever. I’m so glad to see you have it.
What a star studded cast of family members. Thank you to them for serving and thank you to you for sharing such cherished photos. Happy Veteran’s Day to you, MM and M. While I “posted/marveled” about the numbers 11-11-11 at my site, Rick already has already taken out the flag to post the colors from our balcony today.
Photos of now old men as young soldiers make me smile. These boys, too green to know not to put up a tough front, were invincible once. And then they left for war and came back a little more experienced and a little less invincible. I am glad for their pictures.
This is a wonderful tribute to your family that so proudly served as well as to all people serving this great country.
I need to get a scanner! I have some great photos from when my dad was in Vietnam and wish I had them online. Love the photo of Pop!
I’m taking Bugaboo to the Veterans Memorial we have in our town after work to lay flowers out in memory of my friend, Paul Bueche. He never made it back home from Iraq.
This is truly an awesome tribute to the wonderful people who have and do sacrifice so much for us. It truly would be a scary country without these brave souls who protect us and keep us safe.
That’s the best picture of Mount Rushmore that I’ve ever seen. It defines the true heart and honor of America. 🙂
a great post to veterans and to family. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your veterans with us, and thanks to them.
Thank you for posting this and reminding us of what today is really about. These are scary times for our men & women in uniform and I’m thankful everyday for what they do. I’m also thankful my brother came back from Viet Nam in one piece because many of my
friends didn’t.
Aww, I love this post and being able to see all your pics. I really love the one by Mt. Rushmore too – very symbolic. Our vets are special (and wonderful) people!
Another fantastic & suitable set of photos for today .. I’ve always thought the look on Uncle Bennie’s face summed up the experience of being there; unsure, but ready ..
And the look on Pop’s face shows a veteran ready to take a turn on two wheels !! Thanks to all !!
No one in my immediate family ever served in the military but my father-in-law who was in the Navy during the final years of WWII. I know it must have been a terrible sacrifice for the troops and their families. God bless!!
God bless all our military they give us so much and so do their families. Great pictures.
What a cast of honorable characters! Loved the photos, especially the one of your great niece and her fellow servicemen and women…such a great picture, it could be a recruiting poster! Also loved seeing your Pop being honored in the parade. 🙂