So here's the short of it, 
Veteran's Day

And here's the long.

Here's Dad!  He volunteered for the army shortly after he turned 18.

There was D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and Operation Varsity.  And many, many small towns and villages along the way.

World War II shaped Dad in ways that I don't think I can even imagine -- and I really knew little about it until we were all gone from home, he had retired, and the stories began to emerge.

In a moment of great clarity Dad decided to write his story down for his children and grandchildren.  We are so lucky to have it in his words.  He spent many years remembering, writing, and editing.

Dad, on this veteran's day, I thank you for your service.
I also thank you for giving us A Name In The Sand.  

So here's the short of it, 
The celebrations of our Veterans began today. 

And here's the long.

The Wednesday night dinner and program at First Cumberland was honoring veterans as we come up on Memorial Day. Alan's a good influence on me.  I'd just stay home much more often, but he enjoys going so we went to the program tonight.

The program was a brief overview of the music of the wars beginning with World War I.  It was nice.  There was a chorus of about 6 young girls who sang "Don't sit under the Apple Tree with anyone else but me."  Mom turned to me and said - That was one of our songs.

As usual Bruce did a wonderful job of decorating.  This huge arrangement of red roses and American Flags graced the stage in the Fellowship Hall.  It was nice to be with Mom.