memorial Archives - A Compass Rose

Today is Veterans Day, an official United States holiday which honors people who have served in armed service, also known as veterans. I have many veterans in my family including my husband and father who served in the USAF and my grandfather who fought in Italy and France in WWII with the US Army. While I do not live in the US and today is not a day off for my husband, I took a moment today to think about my father. My dad was laid to rest at the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs in 2008. I was able to visit his grave site a year later but I do not know when I will have that opportunity again. For me I do not have a specific place I call home. Memories of my dad instead tied to the many places we lived and traveled together as a military family. It is because of him and his service that I was born in England, that I have dual nationality, and how we are now able to live our expat life abroad in Europe. While I wish my dad was alive today to enjoy this time of my life with my sons, I know he is looking down on us from Heaven. I love you Daddy and you are never far from our hearts.

While today is a US holiday I still would like to

thank you to all those who serve for your country.

While today is Bank Holiday in England it is Memorial Day back in the United States. While either day may mean days off from work, picnics, and bbqs, I take this time to remember those closest in my life who have risked much for the the many they will never meet. Especially for the fallen heroes, those who never got the opportunity to return home to their loved ones and to the ones still Missing in Action.

The F-111 in Lakenheath, England is the plane my dad used to fly. He was a navigator and bombardier in the USAF. He retired as a Lt. Col after 30+ years of service that included fighting in the Gulf War.

source

My fondest memories of Memorial day with my daddy is visiting the American Military Cemetery in Nettuno near Anzio. I remember once we went there and got there when Clinton was in office and I was so excited to get to see the President in person. I believe it was a special place for my dad because his father had fought here in Italy during WWII. Basically that is three genrations of my family who have spent significant parts of their life in Italy and four generations of my family whom have lived in Europe.

Although no longer with us, I remember him especially today. He is the reason I was born abroad and was able to grow up on military bases overseas until the age of seventeen. He was an influential person in my husband’s life and a big factor for why he chose to follow in his footsteps and join the USAF too. I wish he could visit us and enjoy our life here in Europe with us but I know he is smiling down from Heaven.

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died.
Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
– Gen. Patton

This is my time to remember my dad’s father, my dad, and my husband for their years of service and in the US Armed Forces. I also say thank you to everyone else who has served their country and sacrificed much. It is a great honour, purpose, and duty and to you I write this post. Thank you.

Happy Memorial Day Everyone.

Cheers,

Category Archives: memorial

Veterans Day & My Heroes

Memorial Day