On Memorial Day, let us honor the memory those whose loyalty did not waiver to the very end.
Today, I remember Major Greg Stone, who was killed when another American soldier tossed a grenade into his tent during Iraqi Freedom. I remember George's great-uncle George Paloranta, who died in the Philippines during World War II.
Please feel free to list those you knew who are among the honored dead in the comments.
Let's remember.
Supplies
stamps: Verve
ink: Memento
paper: Papertrey Ink white
accessories: washi tape
I love this sentiment.
ReplyDeleteWonderful card!
ReplyDeleteI'm remembering Bernie Oliver, USMC school friend, KIA Viet Nam 1969. He was 17 years old.
What a wonderful sentiment! This card is a treasure.
ReplyDeleteCMSgt Lee G. Mattice United States Air Force, 8 May 68- 19 June 2011 Lee did not die in the actual line of duty he was active at the time, however he died attempting to save his 17 year old step son's life. We will never forget his sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheri and Tammy, for sharing Bernie Oliver and Lee Mattice with us all!
ReplyDeleteMy family has been fortunate in having no war dead. I would like to share some thoughts. Last week, I visited the American Cemetery & Memorial in Cambridge, England. This is the only American World World II cemetery in England. The site of rows of white crosses and stars brings tears to one's eyes - so many young lives lost.
ReplyDeleteWhile there, I thought of my maternal grandfather, who, though not an Australian, fought with the Australian Infantry Forces (AIF) in WW I and was a POW in Germany for three years. I thought of my father, a member of the AIF in WW II and while stationed in New Guinea, learned of my birth (many weeks later) while in a camp hospital being treated for malaria. His bed was made from potato sacks and bamboo poles, and his roof was palm fronds.
Because of the Vietnam War, I met and married my husband (USAF) while he was stationed in Australia. Some years ago, through the Australian Embassy in Washington DC, I received an invitation, as a war bride, to attend the Anzac Day service on April 25 at the Washington National Cathedral. Anzac Day is a national holiday when Australian and New Zealanders honor their war dead.
The day prior, there was a dinner for war brides. I was the only Vietnam War bride; all were WW II brides who met their American husbands while the men were training in Australia. The Anzac Day service at the National Cathedral is one of the most important occasions in my life.
So I have two special days each year to remember those who have died in wars, and to think of those who are currently fighting in wars.
Thank you, Helen, for sharing your story. Beautiful!
DeleteThis is a beautiful story, Helen. Thank you for sharing it. My husband often speaks of the Austrailians that helped the US in the Vietnam war that were with his battalion. I have never heard anyone else mention them but he and I are grateful for the help they gave the U.S. --My thoughts always go to Rachel Bosveld,our 19 year old niece, who was killed in Iraq eleven years ago, and was buried on her 20th birthday. She is the reason I make cards for OWH
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janeen. There is no way to make up for a loss like that, but it's beautiful that you honor her memory with your art.
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