Memorial Day

Arlington Cemetery 2011

Today is the day we all need to remember that freedom is not free. Today we honor all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It isn't about bar-b-ques, baseball, the beach and kicking off summer. Today is a solemn day, for some even a painful day, as we remember those who have given their lives for our great nation.

My uncle found this picture this past weekend. It is of my grandfather standing at the grave of his brother Joseph. Joseph was in the Merchant Marines and their ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat... no traces of it or anyone on it was ever found. Although I never met my great uncle, I am honored to be a part of his lineage.

I never expected to know widows at my age who are my age or even younger. I never expected to be afraid of a knock at my door when I am home alone. I never expected to feel such strong feelings of anger when I see commercials posting their weekend sales and completely forgetting the true meaning of this weekend. I never expected to be a military wife, but I am, and I am proud to be one. I honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. To those my husband worked with, knew, and cared about... you are sorely missed. To those families feeling a little extra pain today, I am so sorry. I will always honor you.

Memorial Day 2013

This year my Poppy was honored to be named the Grand Marshall in our hometown parade. At 90 years old I could not think of a more deserving man for the job and he was so wonderfully humble the entire time. Ryan and I drove up the Friday before the parade to surprise my grandparents and the next day my mom, dad and brother arrived also a surprise. I had not been home since last July so this was so desperately needed for me. I loved spending the time with my family and of course seeing my Poppy get a well deserved honor.

Saturday one of my cousin's had a high school graduation party so we got to see our entire New Jersey family and we had a great time.

Sunday was parade day. We got up and went to Church, Poppy in uniform in the choir, where he was acknowledged by the priest and congregation... so touching. Then we all ran around while they got ready for the parade itself. It was COLD in New Jersey, especially compared to my wimpy used to eastern North Carolina self, but Sunday was at least sunny. It was windy and it warmed up to the 60s (unlike the 40s and 50s the days prior) so I got to wear my red white and blue dress. Most of us went early to stake out good seats on the parade route... but we didn't realize there was a ceremony berfore the parade for Poppy. None of us knew! My Dad and Aunt happened to be there because they were dropping stuff off for Poppy and just stuck around.

My brother is in JROTC and wore his uniform for the event (so cute) and Poppy insisted he ride in the car with him!




Poppy, Babci and Stefan at the ceremony in the park.



I love this so so much.

I had a video of the parade with Poppy riding by but it won't load. I'll try later!

This is my cousin, aunt, great aunt and mom waiting for the parade to start. We decked out in leis and fun necklaces especially for it too!

Ryan was even willing to post for a picture with me! Shocking when that happens ;) My husband is so anti picture sometimes I want to kick him in the shins :P Luckily I love him so much. I just annoy the hell out of him until he cooperates most times!

My cousin then stole my camera and ran across the street to take some pictures of all of us before the parade arrived. My dad and other aunt made it back by this time so we had quite the nice cheering section. By the way, the chairs we are sitting on (we being my dad, Ryan, me, and my aunt) I think are older than me and nearly fell apart as we sat on them!

Then the parade started. Another vet offered to drive Poppy in his snazzy open top convertible. Poor Poppy is getting small in his old age so you couldn't see him too well!

My mom, cousin Jill, Ryan and I post parade. For me holding the camera out at arm's length it came out really nice!
 

We followed the convertible to grab Poppy to take him to the post parade free hot dogs. Ryan assisted.

He is so snazzy in uniform. I have seen this my entire life and I still am overwhelmed with pride when I see my grandfather in his dress blues. (Of course when I see Ryan in his too!)

After the hot dogs we ran back to the house to give Poppy a quick nap before running back out to the dinner. The dinner was nice and we showed up late... oops. Poppy needed a quick nap! But we were spread around at a few different tables (guest of honor or not!) and Ryan and I were asked to sit with Poppy and Babci at their table.

Multiple people came up to Poppy to congratulate him and even more gave speeches, including the mayor (who apparently is friends with my Mom from waaaay back in the day)!

My grandfather is quite humble and you can see in the picture below he actually teared up during one of the speeches when he received a standing ovation. Be as humble as you want Pop, no one deserves it more than you.

He then gave a quick speech of his own where he was sure to talk about the true importance of Memorial Day. How he was lucky to make it home and how so many didn't, how he remembers the faces of all the men he served with who did not make it back, even now almost seventy years later.

I was bursting with pride all day. I am so honored to be his granddaughter. I am fortunate to have a World War II veteran in my family, that he is still going strong at 90, that he helped raise me, and that I could be there for this amazing occassion.

Thank you for sharing this incredible day with us Poppy. Hopefully we can get back to New Jersey to see him again soon. Love you!

Memorial Day 2012

Today, while you are at the beach or the bar-b-que, sitting with family and friends, take a moment to reflect on those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Those who have died serving their country, in the line of duty, from the effects of war, or veterans past. While it is important to thank those who served (everyday) today is about remembering those who are no longer with us. Last year Ryan was in South Carolina for the weekend and I was in Virginia. I went over to Arlington Cemetary to walk around and give my thanks. Every single grave has a flag, similar to the wreaths at Christmas, but they also give roses. If you go into the visitor's center they have a plethora of red roses that they ask you take and put on a grave as you walk through.

 Seeing those flags and the beautiful red roses made me cry. I sat under a tree for awhile and prayed, offering up whatever one person can, hoping it reached someone who could hear it.

Please remember those men and women today. Although I am in North Carolina this year and not able to go to Arlington, my thoughts have drifted there all day. There are some remarkable people in this world, in this country, that I just cannot thank enough. To the widows and orphans and parents and family and friends left behind, I thank you too. You too have made a greater sacrifice.

Thank you.

Memorial Day 2011

Some super heroes wear capes around their necks.
Others wear dog tags.

We know this day is not just about the BBQs and the beach. It is acknowledging those who serve and have served our country and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I woke up this morning and decided to go over to Arlington Cemetery. I wanted to just walk around, think a bit, take some pictures and say thank you. Seeing all of Arlington, stretching as far as the eye can see, is always so humbling. It makes me so grateful for all those who have served. For my husband, his grandfather, my grandfather, all the terrific men and women who were willing to lay their lives down for their country.

It is no surprise it was packed today. People all across the metro station from end to end three rows thick, a line of traffic all the way across the bridge. Of course when I arrive they aren't letting anyone in! It was so packed! So I am standing on the sidewalk waiting and waiting... twenty or so minutes go by and then a motorcade comes through. I have lived in DC five years and this is the closest I have been to the President. Yes it was the president's motorcade. He was on my side too and I saw him waving as everyone cheered. Pretty cool sight to see.

Then I was able to go in and walk around. It was soooooo hot and I was pretty gross real fast, but I did a lot of walking. There were a lot of people there in uniform, some in dress others in cammies, some with wives or girlfriends, others with families. I saw one man with his four children walking around and I could not resist taking a picture of them as they walked. Seeing military families just always gets to me, I cannot help it. I avoided the Visitor's Center since it was packed, but I wish I had gone in. They had roses to take and you could put them anywhere you wanted, I just didn't realize it until I was too far away. I went up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the ampitheatre before heading back to the metro and home. Here are some pictures I took.




































Happy Memorial Day... and thank you (and all you know) for your service.


I was also very blessed to see my mom, dad and Stefan tonight for dinner. Having family around always makes me happy. And this is my 400th post... wow.