A Day to Remeber

Happy Remembrance Day/ Veteran's Day. This day means a lot to me for so many reasons. I am a proud daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of War Vets. My father served in the American Military during the Vietnam War, my maternal grandfather was a gunner for Canada in the Second World War and his father served in the First World War.

I can not imagine saying goodbye to my son if he were to serve in the Armed Forces. My maternal grandfather, Angus (Popa), was one of six sons in his family who headed off to serve in the Second World War. He and his five brothers all went overseas and by the grace of God, they all made it back home safely. How his mother coped, is beyond me. Knowing that six of her nine children were in a foreign land fighting for the freedom of people of whom they had never met. My grandfather even lied about his age so that he could join his older brothers. What kind of strength did people have back then?! Before Skype, email, even before every home had a phone. How could a mother say goodbye??? My poor son will have a crazy over-protective nutcase for a mother. If he wants to sign-up for the military, then he'll have to get used to his mother serving with him. (more like a human shield) 

I am so proud of our veterans and thankful for their sacrifices. Where would we be without them? My grandfather, Angus, is such an amazing man. He has been a great role model and he has impacted my life in many ways. I am so thankful to have such an amazing man live down the road from me and at the age of 88 years young, he always has time for me. He is the biggest cheerleader for my son, after all he is named after him. A.J will be the first great-grandchild and he is already spoiled, almost as much as me, the only granddaughter :) I can't wait to bring A.J over to Popa's house for coffee and cards. My grandfather is hoping to show the baby off to all of the ladies in his building. What a guy!! I could not have wished for a better great-grandfather for my son. He will definitely know his family tree and how lucky he is to have ancestors who fought for his freedoms.

I have had a Billy Ray Cyrus song stuck in my head all day; it was a slogan that actually was on my grandfather's license plate for a while. It was : All gave some, some gave all... It really hits at the heart strings. I don't support war but I do support our troops and wish them a safe return.