Thank You To All Veterans!

Ed Deyo and Mike Dran, Army Air Base, IN

Memorial Day is not only the start of the summer season, though it is officially not summer yet, but the celebration of the memories and sacrifices made by the men and women who died in military service. Men and women who fought for our freedom and rights. It began as Decoration Day for the men who died in the Civil War. Later it evolved into Memorial Day to honor all Americans who had died fighting for our country.

Aunt Frances Neer Harding

In my family, my uncles, one of my aunts, my father, my husband, all his uncles and both of his parents were all veterans. My father and his friend, Pete used to sit and talk for hours reliving their time in the service. My father and mother were first married during that time, and lived in Orlando, FL as that was where he was stationed. They told awesome stories of that time of their lives.

Mike and Hazel Dran, Orlando, FL 1942

My mother-in-law, who was a World War II Army veteran also, loved all patriotic holidays and decorated for them all. She loved red, white and blue and symbols such as The Statue of Liberty. Every Memorial Day her and my father-in-law would take flowers and travel to all the graves of deceased relatives. Always. Even after she had lost her legs, she was sitting in their van while her husband delivered the flowers to the graves.

Mike Dran

Thank you to all, and God bless all including our military who are still fighting for our country. Praying for you and your families. Praying you will come home safely and quickly. 

Back of this photo says, "You will probably see this in all the papers."

Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole
All Photographs Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole