Veteran's Day

I can't believe I forgot my camera (yes, I can--as my mom says, it's a family affliction), but I did.  Today Dan and I drove my parents to a Quilts of Valor presentation where Dad was one of twenty veterans to receive a special quilt.  Dad's is beautiful, all done in red, white and blue log cabin blocks surrounding a center panel with an eagle.  It's very fitting as he was a member of the 101st Airborne, known as the Screaming Eagles.  Dad's quilt was made by a lady who worked for him many years ago and he's always had a special place in her heart, so it was doubly special for both of them.  

The program was short and sweet, with emphasis on giving the quilts to the veterans.  They started with WWII veterans, and Dad was the first up.  They show the quilt and then there is a "Hug Line" composed of ladies who made the quilts.  I wasn't sure how Dad would react to this, but he headed down that line and gave each of those ladies a big hug and received one in return, and there were at least a dozen of them, probably closer to fifteen or sixteen.  It was fun to watch.  (I still can't believe I forgot my camera!!!)

When all the presentations had been made, and they included quilts for some veterans who have just returned home, there were refreshments and I'm here to tell you it was a cookie lover's (Dad!) dream.  It was at an American Legion hall, so I don't know if they were responsible or if the quilt ladies did it, but they did themselves proud.  

We took Mom and Dad home and spread his new quilt out on the sofa to admire it.  There's a huge machine embroidered label on the back (probably 8 1/2 by 11") with Dad's name, his dates of service, branch, etc., and the names of the ladies who pieced and quilted it.  As Mom said, it's a family heirloom.  

What a wonderful way to celebrate Veteran's Day.

Thanks Dad and Dan

I'm blessed to be the daughter and wife of veterans.  My dad was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division during WWII, jumped at D Day, and was wounded at Bastogne (Battle of the Bulge) and during the invasion of Holland.  I'm so thankful he survived to come home, marry Mom, and have Bruder Bear and me.  The picture below, taken "somewhere in Europe", is cropped from a larger group photo and is not the best.  Dad is the one standing.

My sweetie, Dan, served at Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam, from December 1968 to December 1969,  While he wasn't on the front lines, he dodged rocket attacks and stood guard duty many long and lonely nights while working on airplanes by day.  I'm thankful he came home, found me, and made all my dreams come true.

Thinking of all those who have served over our country's history.  We are blessed beyond belief.  Give your veterans a hug or a call and say thank you.