Saturday, November 8, 2008

Fun Monday - Celebrating Veterans

FUN MONDAY!

Today is Fun Monday and our "newbie" host is over at Life According to Jan... She has asked us to honor the Veterans since tomorrow is Veterans Day and post a patriotic picture to commemorate the day.

I have never experienced a loved one having to go off to war, nor have I experienced the loss of a loved who served in the military, and I am grateful for that. But, I am also grateful for those who did serve this great country and there are in fact several within my family. I would like to dedicate this post to them -- some who have passed and some who are still with us today. Here is what I know about each of the Veterans in my family.

My Grandfather on my Mom's side served in the Army during WWII. He was injured in Italy while fighting the Germans and later received the Purple Heart Award. He did not die in combat, but passed away when my Mom was very young.

My Grandfather on my Dad's side was drafted into the Army during WWII and was stationed in Alaska to install telephone lines on the Alaskan highway. He had a previous illness (meningitis) and was not allowed to travel overseas. He is also no longer with us.

My Dad was drafted, but because my mom was pregnant with me, he did not have to serve.

My Step-Dad (pictured below) joined the Navy when he was 17 years old. He served for 4 years during peace time. He is alive and well today.

My Uncle Jack (pictured below) also joined the Army when he was 17 years old. He too served during peace time for three years and as you can see, is still kicking today!! He later received a certificate for serving during the "cold war".


My Uncle Bob (not pictured) was drafted into the Army and served during peace time in the Korean War. He is also still living.

My Father-In-Law (pictured below) served in the Air force and was stationed in Alaska. He served during peace time and is alive and well today.





Heavenly Father, we thank you for the selfless service of those who gave their lives to protect our nation, preserve our freedoms, and restore peace in the face of brutal aggressors. Grant relief to those who continue to experience emotional or physical agony from their days of combat. Give us a sense of responsibility for their welfare. Comfort those who mourn for loved ones who died while performing their duty to our country. Enlist all who are in our military forces into your church militant, that they may pledge eternal loyalty to Christ, our King, and know his peace. Amen (wels.net)




Photo submission:


This is an official flag which was flown over the United States Capitol. It was a gift from my sister-in-law (thanks Lori!) and it comes with an authentic certificate signed by a member of congress. To purchase your own click here: US Military Stuff. It would make an awesome Christmas gift for a veteran in your family!

Remember to check out the other participants to see how each of them are honoring the Veterans here.

Many Blessings,

14 comments:

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

Very touching! Imagine my surprise when I saw my father-in-law standing there! I feel bad, now for not mentioning him! Glad you did!

Hootin Anni said...

Oh my....this was a joyous and very tearful salute.

Mine's posted...scroll down to the last of my Monday blog. See you there.

Anonymous said...

Today's Fun Monday will be very poignant for most of us. Just reading your prayer brought tears to my eyes. Thanks to all those brave men you mentioned and pictured for their service so that we are a free nation.

I, too, have a flag that flew above the Capitol. It's one of the nicest gifts I've ever received. Now, I need to go find it !

Alison said...

what a beautiful tribute to your family members....your prayer was very moving.

Jan n Jer said...

Been crying all day reading these salutes to our Vets. Love the prayer, how fitting. Also the flag, that would be a great gift idea. God Bless

Faye said...

What a line up of the Greatest Generation you have in your family. I love to look closely at their eyes--they seem to be men who are comfortable in their own skins--perhaps from what they expereinced?

ChrisB said...

This is a wonderful tribute to your family.
How lovely to have a flag that has actually been in official use.

Junebug said...

Excellent post! Thanks for the information about giving a flag to a veteran for Christmas. That is an excellent idea.

Junebug said...

I too have a flag that was flown over the Capitol. I purchased it several years ago when I was home-schooling my kids.

Anonymous said...

Hooray for all those who served. I think it is great you have that flag. Fly is proudly.

IamwhoIam said...

What a nice gift indeed and so nice to remember so many in your family who have servied.

Unknown said...

Happy veterans day to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed reading your post, thanks for stopping by my blog. Thank you for the touching prayer

Sayre said...

Awesome post! You have a lot of veterans in your family - many more than I do. Thanks for the tip on buying an official flag - I may need to do that for my brother.

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