Veterans Day 2011

It is Veterans Day, November 11, 2011. (11*11*11). Formerly Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, when major hostilities of the War were formally ended with the German signing of the Armistice with the Allies in a railway car in the Compiegne Forest, France in 1918.

So many men have served our country in the armed forces in many wars since then, as it seems we will never live together in peace, until the Lord comes.

Today we remember and honor those who have served. I am grateful and thankful for those who have.

A look back in my family tree shows many who have . . .

US Army Soldiers First Day in Yokahama, Japan September 13, 1946

(L to R) Lt Bernard McLellan, Lt Robert Robertson, T/5 Odni Simmons, Capt Deglow, Pvt Carl Wetzel,

Front: Pfc Frank Powley, T/5 Dulch Schultz, Louie Carter, unknown

In honor of Veterans Day, I would like to share some photo's of my father and my father-in-law during the time they served our country on foreign soil. Although they were in different wars and were several years apart, the first two pictures show both men, when they were just 18 -19 years old.

Morris G. Bull, WWII Veteran

1925 - 1995

John J. Acee, Korean War Veteran

1932-1995

My dad served and saw action in the Philippines during WWII

and then in Japan from 1945 - 1946 during the occupation.

This picture above shows him pointing to the 2 stars

in the window of the old farm house.

One represented him (he was home on furlough 1944)

and the other for his older brother Robert, who was also serving.

Not quite sure whether this was the Philippines or Japan.

There was nothing written on the photograph.

This one was November 1945

Written on the back was "B Batry 61st FABN Osaka"

This was also Osaka Japan 1945.

Dad brought that sword home with him.

My husbands Father served in the Korean War.

But, this photo said that he was at Camp Chitose, Japan

April 22, 1952 Hokkaido Japan

May 18, 1953

the 38th Parallel

Korea

January 1953

Choruon Valley

This was in front of the mess hall

Kumhua Sector

North Korea

April 30, 1953

A few years back one of the teachers at school did some research with her class finding out that there were 23 million living US veterans of the military.

About 70% were from active service in a war.

I am in awe of the number of men and women who

serve our country in the armed services.

My dad shared some stories,

but he didn't talk a lot about what went on over there.

My siblings may remember more.

I was born 17 years after he had come home. I was a girl.

We didn't talk about those things.

I feel bad about that, because,

now that he is gone I can't ask him any more,

and I will never know.

Thank you to all the Veterans, who put their lives on the line,

who gave up their lives at home to serve the rest of us,

to help keep us safe and to protect those who need protection.

There is no greater love than this,

That a man lay down his life for his brother ....