My Memorial Day Heros

This pic. is of my nextdoor neighbor. He served in the 7th Army division in France and Germany. Since I can remember he was always there to help and support me. After the war was over he opened a machine and welding shop, in his parents barn pic. behind him. He took care of all the local farmers welding needs, plus found time to teach me to build and fabricate stuff. Some of my "stuff" was practical, and served a purpose, some was not so much so. He always has had a positive attitude and very interested in modern tech. He Turned 90 on May 6 of this month.He Married late in life, to a school teacher who was addored by our children as they were growing up. She died several years back, but in spite of her passing he has never looked back and complained or felt sorry for himself.
I also think about my best friend who started in Kindigarten, with me. We were always together doing what kids did. After graduating from high school, I went to collage, he joined the Marines. 3 days after he arrived in VietNam he was killed.I also have another 90year old friend who was a POW in a Jap prison camp for 2 years, plus several other friends who made it home from VietNam, although not quite the same any more. I think about the families that have been turned upside down by the events in the Middle East and Afganistan and wonder. The truth is if it wern't for our Vets and our serving men and women we might not be posting back and forth the way we do.

Very well stated! I do not know many who have served, but thank all who did! Greg

Thanx , for posting , and relating your stories and thoughts from Your Locale ..,Agreed , so many folx today seem to want everything Both Ways and at someone Elses Expense !..Had we don nothing after 911 , it would not be safe to eat at a Mcdonalds , go to Walmart ect for fear of a Car/oboming ...It is Sad that Wars ruin many lives ,Drugs TOO .It was reported a while back ,. Since 2003 over 10,000 people have lost their life in the Border /Drug War with Mexico,,,This is a very dangerous area to visit , Yet college Kids go fearlessly in that direction each spring break ..

My Memorial Day family heroes are a couple of men I never met. My uncle Curtis died in Italy in WWII, and my great-great grandfather died while returning from Andersonville PW camp after the Civil War, in the explosion of the Sultana.

I had two neighbors who were at Normandy on June 6 of 1944. It was fascinating to listen to them. They never thought it was a big deal, just doing their duty. Lost one of those men a couple years ago but I drive by his place everyday doing chores and I will always remember.
bill

As is our custom, we parked one of the tractors on the high point of our bahaia field that borders the highway and placed a flag in the umbrella holder.

James and I make a point of thanking every military person we see, active or retired. Most are quite surprised to have some one thank them.

They are the ones who keep us free.