Monday, May 25, 2009

Thank You, Veterans!


It's Memorial Day. Have you thanked a veteran yet? I hope so. No matter how much I pray that the world finds better crisis management than war, there are still things worth fighting for, and the men and women who have fought to defend the basic freedoms we enjoy should be thanked.

My family has a long history of service in the armed forces, beginning with the Revolutionary War. I begin my appreciation with them:



My great-great-great grandfather, James Henry Brown, who fought for the Union during the Civil War and died in the Battle of Franklin in Tennessee.









My grandfather, Earl Brookshier, who served aboard an LST in the South Pacific during World War II. One of the campaigns he fought in was the Battle of Okinawa. The little girl who has herself plastered against his side is my mother.








My father, Charles Cole, who was a member of the first commissioned crew aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. I don't think you need to be told the identity of the small person in his lap!







My cousin, Stan Brookshier, who was a Marine in Vietnam.










My husband, Denis Barlow, who served in the Royal Navy--mostly aboard nuclear submarines.








There are many more family members who have served. I just don't have their photos on my hard drive. I want to thank all of them as well as all other veterans who have gone in harm's way to preserve the freedoms I enjoy today. If not for them, the world would be a very different place.


12 comments:

  1. What a distinguished family history! You have so many men to be proud of. Thanks to your family for doing their part for our country.

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  2. Thanks for sharing all of these pictures with us. I have a great admiration for those in the military and their families.

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  3. Such a lovely tribute to the veterans in your family and all who have served (and continue to serve) our country. Love the photos!

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  4. A great and honorable post, Cathy. I particularly enjoyed the images. We don't celebrate Memorial Day in Denmark (and we don't have that many soldiers in the family either) and I don't really know any veterans anyway, although there are some who are now considered veterans after they have fought in Iraq. Great post.

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  5. Great post! Thanks to all of the soldiers and their families who have sacrificed for our freedom -- past, present and future.

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  6. Thank you for this wonderful post Cathy! It certainly focuses one's attention on the right things. And I love this photo essay, if I might call it so, for such great presentation.

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  7. Great post. I love seeing the photos of family members who served their country!

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  8. Thanks everyone for your comments on my post, and your sentiments toward veterans. My family isn't any different from millions around the globe. What might set it slightly apart from many is the fact that my grandmother and mother researched our family history and went around collecting stories and old photographs.

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  9. I wish I wasn't late on reading posts or I would have kept your family in my thoughts on Memorial day (Plus I was out of town and din't have access to a pc). Here's a late (but Hearty!) thanks to your family who has served our country. I loved that you included pictures! Thank you for sharing. I'll be behind the times but think I'll do the same on my blog this weekend.

    My Grandfather and my Great-Uncle both served in WWII. I always try to email my Grandpa around memorial day to thank him for his service. (he doesn't like to talk about it so I figure it's easier on both of us if I just email and don't call). I also email him on Holocaust remembrance day and Pearl Harbor day). My Great-Uncle passed away last year and was buried at a cometary that is for veterans - what an honor and what a neat thing to experience. So I kept them both in my thoughts this past Monday. I also have a friend who's son in serving right now, so of course he was in my thoughts.

    So long comment from me...but thanks for the post and I'll keep your family in my thoughts next year. I don't have the guts to serve, so the least I can do is thank those who do.

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  10. Thanks for your comment, Kris. It didn't seem long at all. My grandfather wouldn't talk about his experiences either. From the three things he did mention, I can understand why.

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