My family is filled with veterans. Mom’s side of the family is ALL Navy. Grandpa was the oldest non-. Commissioned officer when he retired. He lied about his age to get into the Navy early. He was in San Francisco right after the big earthquake in 1906. The Navy was stationed just off the coast and called in to control the crowds until the Coast Guard and “regulars” could take over. He was down in Panama while the canal was being dug. He was over in China before the doors were closed to the west. During WWII he fell down the stairway in the ship and broke his back. Because they were in radio silence he couldn’t get help. Grandpa stayed in a hammock for a long time and the swaying of the hammock ended up setting his back and he never had problems that he talked about.
While Grandpa was busy being a Chief Petty Officer, his son (my uncle) was also serving in the Navy. Meanwhile – Dad was on board the USS Sands with my Uncle. Mom was about 22-23 years old at the time and Grandpa was worried that she was going to be an old maid. His answer was to bring home Navy guys. Dad was one of them and well – that story is for another day. Dad’s brother-in-law was also on the ship with them all.
Yup it’s a Navy family. But not to be out done, Mom’s sister married an Army guy. His son became an Army guy. My cousin married a Navy guy. I could go on.
This day is to remember all these family members and all the others who have serviced to keep our country safe. We take serving the country seriously in our family and those of us that did not serve but benefited from these Navy guys and Army guys are so grateful and proud to call these veteran’s our own.
Thanks Grandpa, Uncle B, Uncle B2, Dad, Uncle W, cousin P, cousin-in-law R. You’ve all made our lives so much better.
While Grandpa was busy being a Chief Petty Officer, his son (my uncle) was also serving in the Navy. Meanwhile – Dad was on board the USS Sands with my Uncle. Mom was about 22-23 years old at the time and Grandpa was worried that she was going to be an old maid. His answer was to bring home Navy guys. Dad was one of them and well – that story is for another day. Dad’s brother-in-law was also on the ship with them all.
Yup it’s a Navy family. But not to be out done, Mom’s sister married an Army guy. His son became an Army guy. My cousin married a Navy guy. I could go on.
This day is to remember all these family members and all the others who have serviced to keep our country safe. We take serving the country seriously in our family and those of us that did not serve but benefited from these Navy guys and Army guys are so grateful and proud to call these veteran’s our own.
Thanks Grandpa, Uncle B, Uncle B2, Dad, Uncle W, cousin P, cousin-in-law R. You’ve all made our lives so much better.
1 comment:
I had my own large list to thank! My Godfather/Uncle was at the Battle of the Bulge, and his brother was an MP. My Godfather's son was a Helicopter Machine-Gunner in 'Nam (highest fatality rate of any job.) My mom's brothers were Navy and Army (entered the FBI after his stint in the Army.) My FIL fought in WW2 - and finished his lifetime in a Vet's Hospital. The only one still around is my cousin who was in Viet Nam. I had to thank them in my prayers. I'm also praying that my two sons do NOT choose a military career, because I don't think mama's heart could take it.
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