In Memoriam

Today is Memorial Day. Steve and the kids and I went this morning with my mom to the cemetery where my father is buried for a Memorial Day service. Below is one of the speakers, General Brian L. Tarbet from the Utah National Guard.

Towards the end of the program, they played Taps, and as they were playing it, I had in my direct line of vision this very decorated older gentleman that you can see in the above picture. He is seated and he is on the left hand side of the picture. He became so emotional and started crying, and it made me cry, and I am not a crier. As I was watching him through the tears in my eyes, I couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were going through his head. What was he remembering? Who was he thinking about? What horrible scenes has he witnessed?

It made me think of a book I read recently. It is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read, and I believe every American should read it. Should read it and learn of some of the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf. Should read it and see how pampered and spoiled and lazy we are today in comparison with those who came before us and gave so much so that we can be pampered and spoiled and lazy if we so choose.

The book is called Unbroken. It is the amazing true story of WWII Veteran Louie Zamperini. Louie went from being an Olympic athlete to a bombardier in World War II. His plane went down and he was lost at sea for 47 days before being "rescued" by the Japanese. He then spent 2 years in a POW camp and endured horrific atrocities. It really is an amazing book and you should read it. I started reading it to Steve and Zac when we went to Moab in April. We didn't finish it before we got home. Zac was just chompin' at the bit for me to finish it for my book club so he could get it and finish it, which he did in less than 2 days. He loved it too.

After reading that book and getting just a small bit of insight into what those who have served and are now serving us and our country sacrifice...it has made me so appreciative. It has made me want to learn so much more. It made me think of both of my grandfathers. My mothers dad is pictured below. I have this picture of him in a uniform, but I have no other knowledge of his military service, other than that at one time, he wore a uniform and had a picture taken.
And it made me think of my dad's dad. We visited his grave site in December when we were in Dallas. It was upon seeing his headstone that I learned he served in World War II. How I would love to know more about that, especially after reading this book about WWII. It really made me sad to think that both of my grandfathers were in the military and one that I know of served in a war and I have no knowledge of this. And not only that, my children have no knowledge. How I would love to be able to share stories with them about their great grandfathers and the service they provided to our country. So if any of my family members reading this have any information on either of my grandfathers and their service- PLEASE! Do share. It's times like this when I really wish my father was still around. He would know the answers to my questions.

After the Memorial Day service, we went to visit my father's grave, conveniently located about 20 feet away. And yes, that is fresh powder on that mountain. Just put there today.

Then we went to my mothers house and had a fabulous lunch. She made oh so yummy, melt in your mouth brisket. Among other things.

Then we went to the dollar movie to see Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2. Here is a picture of the girls waiting in the line that was wrapped around the whole building. We made it into the movie and even got seats all together on the first row. I was for sure I would fall asleep since I had so scoot down in my chair and lean my head back on the seat to see the screen, but hey! I stayed awake for the whole thing!
Then it was back to my mom's house again for leftovers for dinner! Now we are home and the kids have had baths and are all snuggled in their beds. And I am taking this moment to remember those who have come before me and given their very lives to make my way of life possible. And for those who choose to serve today. One of the things the General said today in his speech was that since 1973 all of our military has been on a volunteer basis. To all of those who have served and are currently serving, from the bottom of my heart - Thank you.


"Each died for a cause he considered more important than his own life. Well, they didn't volunteer to die; they volunteered to defend values for which men have always been willing to die if need be, the values which make up what we call civilization." - Ronald Reagan