I am just back from a special program honoring Veterans - it was presented by the students at our local Christian College. It is the first time I have attended such an event as a spectator/honoree and it was very moving. At one point they had veterans of each branch of the service approach the front platform as the individual branches theme song was played by the band. Hubby went forward for this and it just made me so proud to be part of it. Guess I am now that "retiree" age where I get LES for patriotic events!

I was born into a military family, married a military serviceman, and now have children who are adults - our son-in-love in sirrahsim's Paul who is currently USAF - an Air Traffic Controller who served in Iraq. He will be going for another remote all next year to Honduras. My hubby and my brother served in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. My mom was a Captain in the Army Nurse Corps aboard a hospital ship in Italy. My dad was Army Air Corps and later US Air Force and was a KC-135 crew member, "Gooney Bird" pilot and aircraft mecanic. Hubby sirrahned's father was in the US Navy and repaired PT boats. Being affiliated with the service has always been part of my life, Until we recently retired and bought a home,(we are real civilians!!) we have always lived in military housing on military installations. And so it was very touching to be an the receiving end of such a tribute. The kids at the university are so very patriotic and supportive.

I learned several new facts too. One was that - of the number of men and women who have served in any time of war or peace since WWI, approximately half of them are still living. There is one known survivor remaining from WWI and he is 108 years old. (Canadian born I think?) Another new thing I learned was the origin of "Taps" that most everyone is familiar with. The words are amazing.

TAPS
Day is done Fading light Thanks and praises
Gone the sun Dims the sight For our days
From the lakes And a star Neath the sun
From the hills Gems the sky Neath the stars
From the sky Gleaming bright Neath the sky
All is well, From afar As we go
Safely rest. Drawing nigh This we know
God is nigh. Falls the night God is nigh.


I want to add my THANK YOU to all service members who have served, are currently serving, as well as the surviving family members who have lost loved ones in the service. God Bless America