Memorial Day

Every year on Memorial Day & Veteran's Day, it's customary for the Veteran's Administration and Veterans of Foreign Wars to replace the small flags at every veteran's gravesite. These flags are not large, just about 10 x 14" or so, but to drive up to the cemetery where my Dad is buried and see them all is an incredibly awesome site. My father was a veteran of The Korean War. Last year, during a trip to Washington D.C., we spent some time at The Korean War Memorial and a subsequent visit to Arlington National Cemetery. If you've never seen either of these in person, it can be quite daunting when you first arrive. The rush of emotion that we felt was just incredible. My Dad never spoke much about the war and his time in combat. He did have a few gruesome stories that during a weak moment of some sort, he shared with us. Bravery=Benoit Nadeau=My Father. My all time favorite photo of him is his army photo. This brave 17 year old was smiling proudly, having had his mother sign off for him to go, he was just too young to sign . . . . . . . but not too young to serve. He came back from Korea, finished High School, went on to College and married my mother. So when I see those flags waving proudly, I bless myself, and Thank God for my father's presence in my life. He died very suddenly at the age of 66 over 10 years ago. I still think about him at some point each & every day, especially today.

My Father in Law was in the U.S. Navy, serving on a P.T. Boat in the Pacific. He too, never spoke much about his time in World War II, but when he did, he was bursting with pride. Bravery=Henry Heisler=My Father-in-Law. He died last year at the age of 87, and when the Naval Honor Guard arrived at his gravesite, I stood proud to be a member of his family, and took the time to remember so many of the things he had taught me, and done for me, my family and our country over the years. He is buried in a very small country cemetery in his hometown of the last 60+ years, and though there are only a few flags in this tiny place, they still wave proudly. He first saw my mother-in-law at an amusement park, then spoke to her at the U.S.O. dance, while on leave ~ a nice young southern boy from Georgia met a feisty Portuguese gal from New England ~ who knew??! He bought her an engagement ring, sent it through the mail in a brown paper envelope, and asked her to wait for him. She did.

If you have a moment please go and visit Becky's Blog. Becky and her husband lost their son Jordan last February. He was a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force, and they, like so many families, are mourning such a deep loss this Memorial Day.

So as you head out to your family reunion, barbecue, picnic, amusement park or backyard of your own home, please take a moment to think about those who have served, and those serving now, so that we can live in Freedom. I, for one, take it for granted sometimes, but this day always brings me back to reality and reminds me of what we have. On the menu today is Foccacia from this fabulous book that has changed my life, Pioneer Woman's Spicy Shredded Pork and Coconut and Lime's Grilled Potato Salad with Broccolini! Enjoy your Day!! xo P