Saturday, May 23, 2009

In Honor Of Memorial Day... Four Generations of Brave Men


Today I would like to honor four generations of soldiers in Mr. Snooty's family and mine, who were soldiers and fought for this country. Some were on his mother's side and some on his dad's side. The only one who didn't come home was my mother-in-law's older brother, her only sibling, who died at the tender young age of 20 years old. Obviously, I never knew him but neither did my hubby, which is sad. Sonny was killed during World War II at the Battle of the Bulge when a bomb was dropped on his Unit from a bomber. He died instantly and was awarded the Purple Heart, which we now keep. Everyone else is gone now as well, but we truly loved them, more than they could have ever known.








This is a picture of my hubby's uncle who died at The Battle of the Bulge:




This is my hubby's grandfather with his son, Uncle Sonny:






This is my beloved father-in-law when he was in the Navy during WWII:







Since their graves are here locally, in 2 different cemeteries, we went last night to put flags on all the family graves and it made me start thinking about what I know of my own family.


So, I also want to honor my paternal grandfather who was in both WW I & WWII. When he was 17 years old, he ran away to join the army for WWI and lied about his age, so they took him. He also fought in WWII and was very proud of his career as a soldier. He died when he was in his late 70's. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a picture of him.



Also, I honor my maternal grandfather, who had been stationed in Honolulu when they bombed Pearl Harbor. He lived to the ripe old age of 94. Both of these wonderful men are gone now, but will live forever in my heart.


This is my mother's father when he was serving in Honolulu:





Even though I barely knew him, I'd also like to honor my own father, who was a Marine and served in Korea. He died when he was in his 60's.




I'd also like to mention my daughter's high school boyfriend John, who was injured in Afghanistan and ended up losing his leg. All of his dreams of becoming a secret service agent or SWAT team member are gone now. He was also awarded The Purple Heart.
And last but not least, my two male cousins who were both killed in Viet Nam in 1968. One had been with the Army Infantry and the other had been a Green Beret. I only ever knew them as children, but they, too, will live on in my heart forever.



I suppose when The Rulers of the Universe finally decide that so many deaths are not worth going to war for; finding other ways to make peace, then perhaps there won't be any more wars. I wish that for my children and my grandchildren and those who follow. However, greed and power are normally what drives men to turn to war, so I don't forsee that ever coming to be. Especially in my lifetime.....




THANK YOU WITH ALL MY HEART & SOUL TO THE BRAVE MEN WHO HAVE GONE TO WAR TO PROTECT AND SERVE THEIR COUNTRY, IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THOSE WHO WILL FIGHT IN THE FUTURE. WE CAN NEVER REPAY YOU ENOUGH FOR YOUR BRAVERY.

12 comments:

T said...

I too thank your family for all they have given us.

A very moving and beautiful post.

cornbread hell said...

a beautiful, heartfelt tribute.

thank you.

Mental P Mama said...

Amen my friend, AMEN.

I Am Woody said...

Beautiful, just beautiful!

Mental P Mama said...

Amen. Just beautiful.

Heather Kerrigan said...

Those photos are sensational. You put it all so well. I agree with your other readers, the only thing left to say is AMEN!

Daryl said...

Thanks to all who have served and continue to serve to protect us all

Anonymous said...

Ugg... so many deaths. I'd love to see an alternative to wars... Like a bake off, or something non violent.

In the meantime, lovely post, Snooty. What a great job you did honoring the soldiers in your life!

abb said...

A lovely tribute. Bless our family members for keeping us safe.

imbeingheldhostage said...

wow, powerful post Snooty.

imom said...

Wonderful tribute snooty!

Midlife, menopause, mistakes and random stuff... said...

Beautiful Snooty!!! I barely knew my Dad as well for different reasons......he too was in the Korean War. What a sacrifice these men and women make to keep us free. God bless them all and their family members. They are ALL our sons and daughters .
You're a beautiful person my dear :)

Steady On
Reggie Girl

 

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