WELCOME to HAPPY TO BE...This is a blog about my love of Antiques, My family, humor, as humor keeps us laughing and my every Day life...I hope you enjoy your visit...Please leave me a comment to let me know you Came by so I can visit with you Thank You !!...Hugs and Smiles, Gl♥ria

May 22, 2009

~THREE CHEER"S FOR THE RED WHITE AND BLUE~




I want to wish everyone a GREAT memorial day weekend....Please remember all our fallen hero's this weekend....I wished I could read this paper every day and see Headlines like this...this paper is from the Second World War...Please click on picture to enlarge an read...
All the men in my family from one generation to the next have all serviced our country during wars times....

This is my Daddy he send this picture post card from Brussels to my Mama...He was 17 when he joined the Army...only had 6 weeks training with the infantry and send to France...He was shot there and I love what he wrote on the back of the card...He was shot in the face...love his humor about his Jimmy Durante Nose he had because it was swollen ha ha!! He was on the beach in Normandy....A real Private Ryan no less...




Now these are the medals my daddy got...the Bronze Star and the Purple heart...these I just cherish...Both my Brother and I was very young at this time...but I can remember my Mama working in a parachute factory, having a Victory Garden with my Aunt Millie...and my Mama and my Aunt standing on a chair while they took turn drawing a straight line down the back of their legs to make it looks like they has on Nylons...way before panties hose and Nylon stockings were just one thing you could only get on the Black Market at that time...I remember My mama and Aunt taking us kids by street car down to the town square in Des Monies ,Iowa to celebrate VD day...When My Daddy's got shot they the war department delivered the telegram to the parachute factory where my Mama worked and when she seen them coming to her she just fainted...and the telegram just said my Dad was wounded in Action but didn't tell her where he was shot if he lost a limp or what Hospital they had him at...He was honored with these medals while at the base hospital in Nice...So this weekend I will have fond memories of my Dad and how he serviced our great country....





Love the leather cases on these.... My Dad never spoke of this war until one year before he died...when the government finally put up an memorial for World War 2 in Washington...he attend this ceremony ....its was a very sad time for him....and took our Government along time to finally do a memorial for them....Viet Nam had a memorial wall long before our service men in the second world war had....My Dad told me the people in France and Germany were all so kind and grateful to our service people there trying to help them...they would share what's food they had with them and give them shelter in their homes and barns...Also told me the most important thing they had was socks and would wear every pair they had because it was always so wet and muddy...His feet would ache so bad from all the wetness...When my Daddy died in 2005 I got his duffel bag, his uniform and all his pictures from that time...which he had never shown me while he was alive....it took me a year before I could even open up his duffel bag and read all the articles about the war...I also have a German Luger he brought home in pieces and put back together again and.the paper work he got from the government letting him have it...I am very PROUD of what my Daddy did for our country and our FREEDOM !!
Now this is my Dad's Father Harry that served in the First World war 1918..this picture was taken at Camp Dodge in Des Monies, Iowa...and I love the way they had a picture of my Grandmother on it also...see she in the heart like he thinking about her...Please click on any of these pictures and you can see them much better...as I have to scan them all...

Now this human Statue of Liberty my Grand Father was apart of....

This INCREDIBLE picture was taken in 1918. It is 18,000 men preparing for war in a training camp at Camp Dodge, in Iowa. EIGHTEEN THOUSAND MEN!!! What a priceless gift from our grandfathers!
FACTS: Base to Shoulder: 150 feet Right Arm: 340 feet Widest part of arm holding torch: 12 1/2 feet Right thumb: 35 feet Thickest part of body: 29 feet Left hand length: 30 feet Face: 60 feet Nose: 21 feet Longest spike of head piece: 70 feet Torch and flame combined: 980 feet Number of men in flame of torch: 12,000 Number of men in torch: 2,800 Number of men in right arm: 1,200 Number of men in body, head and balance of figure only: 2,000



Total men: 18,000


So PLEASE take the time while you are with family and friends this weekend to Remember all those that gave us this Freedom....Daddy and Grandpa I Salute you !!!


Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

70 comments:

Kris said...

Thanks so much for such a great post. My father was in the Navy and now my son. I'm so very proud of him and I know my dad is looking down and giving him a big salute.

Kris

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

What a wonderful way to honor your father..and all of our men.
A very nice post, Gloria! Beautiful and so interesting!
Hugs,
Mona

Kat said...

What a wonderful post and beautiful tribute to all of our service men and woman. My grandfather(Army) was in WWII, Daddy(Air Force) was stationed in Korea (post war), and my baby brother(Navy) was in the first Gulf War. We lost a Great Uncle in WWII and an uncle in Korea.
We are proud of all of our service members and pray for their safety every day! Hugs, Kathy

Kim said...

GLORIA! I am speechless by this post! I just cannot imagine how much those precious heirlooms must mean to you. I LOVED hearing about your Daddy and grandfather. I will always remember this story. And God bless them for what they did for us! And God bless you Gloria - you are such a sweetie!!!!
Kim

Four Paws and Co said...

Gloria, this is such a wonderful tribute your dad & grandfather. I hearing the stories & seeing the great pictures. Thank you for sharing them with us. ♥ Diane

ps how's your tooth???

Pat@Back Porch Musing said...

My dad was in the Army during WWII,South Pacific.

J was in the Army and my kid's dad was in the Air Force, both during the 60's. My many times great grandfather Cadre, was in the Army during the Revolution.

Thanks to your family's service to our country. We must always remember the reason for Memorial Day.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Totally fascinating post. I love that Liberty of the men! What a wonderful heritage you have!

bj said...

So much of what you have written here is the same with me. My dad was there, too.
Happy holiday...

Bo said...

Thank you Gloria for this wonderful tribute for another Memorial weekend...my dad was blinded in WW11, but by the grace of God, it was temporary. My DH served in the Marines, as did my older brother during the "cold war". I only wish some of our youth today really realize what sacrifices have been made for them to wear baggy pants, ear rings, tattoos...and so forth. OK, I'll get off my soapbox now, but thanks again for a wonderful post! ;-) Bo

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Gloria, what a wonderful tribute to an oustanding man! I know you are so proud of his service, and the world is thankful. So glad you have those wonderful momentos of his valient service. Linda

Anonymous said...

Hi Gloria! My Dad was in the Marines and Air Force- I wish I had the medals and ribbons he received. I remember as a child sneaking in the drawer and playing with them- I thought they were so pretty!

blessings
mary

Melissa Miller said...

Gloria this is a WONDERFUL
post and tribute to them.
Thank you so much to all the military service members past and present.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend my friend.
~Melissa :)

Justine said...

What a beautiful tribute to your dad and grandfather this was, Gloria. I can't imagine getting shot in the face and then making a joke about his nose because of it! what a great sense of humor he had!

I'm so glad you have those special momentos from the war to keep. What does the bronze star represent? I know the purple heart... my mom's step-dad got one in WWII after he was shot in the temple. He was a paratrooper. Scary stuff!

Justine :o )

xinex said...

I always remember them, Gloria and am very grateful to them for their service to our country. You have amazing stories about your dad and grandpa and no wonder you are so proud of them and rightfully so...Christine

Anonymous said...

Gloria,

Thank you for sharing this with us today. What a wonderful tribute to your father as we move to observe Memorial Day.

Each time I see an American flag waiving in tribute, I am filled with awe and reflect on the words from the Ruth Apperson Rous poem, I Am the Flag..."As you see me silhouetted against the peaceful skies of my country, remind yourself that I am the flag of your country, that I stand for what you are - no more, no less.
Guard me well, lest your freedom perish from the earth.
Dedicate your lives to those principles for which I stand: "One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
I was created in freedom. I made my first appearance in a battle for human liberty.
God grant that I may spend eternity in my "land of the free and the home of the brave" and that I shall ever be known as "Old Glory," the flag of the United States of America.'

God bless our soldiers and keep them safe from harm.

Hugs,
Kim (kimluvsdecor from RMS)

Old Centennial Farmhouse said...

A truly humbling post: to know so many gave so much, came home, got to work, raised their families, worked in their communities, and didn't talk much about it...only in their quiet times. These, to me, are the true heroes: the quiet family men, who made this country great with very little fanfare. What an honor these men have bequeathed to your family!
XOXO
Joni

Anonymous said...

Oh, Dear Gloria! What a wonderful tribute to your dear daddy! My daddy was in the Army and got injured too! We must never take for granted all their sacrifices!
God bless you, Dear One, and have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.
Shelia :0

Shauna said...

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
♥ HUGS ♥

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Gloria, what a loving tribute to your dad and your grandfather. What wonderful men and such sacrifice they and their families endured for our safety and peace. I do pray for all the service men and women. We have an air base about 6 miles away, so we are always aware. Have a blessed weekend. Hugs, Marty

Tootsie said...

what a nice post! Hope you have a wonderful day....I sent you an email about mine....man do I hurt all over....I am planting flowers this weekend!!!! If I can move my arm in the morning that is...where that cat bit me on the bicep is unreal kinda sore

nikkicrumpet said...

I'm not surprised that you come from such an amazing family line. It explains why you're so FABULOUS. Your dad was a true hero. And we should thank everyone of the men and women who sacrifice and serve this great country. My dad, Husband, and stepson are all Navy boys. I always try to say "thank you" when I see anyone in a military uniform. And it always puts a big smile on their faces. Have a lovely weekend my friend!

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

How wonderful!!! This is such a lovely tribute to your father and to all soldiers!!! I love that you have all these amazing pieces of his life and service and that you shared them with us!!!

Thank you so much for your prayers for little Connor. It means the world to me!!! I will let you know if anything changes!!!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

You Dad and Grandfather were real heros, Gloria. What cherished treasures! Thanks for sharing them...it was wonderful reading this post today! My Dad also served during WWII. Happy Memorial Day!
Hugs,
Susan

SmilingSally said...

Your dad was my hero!

I've missed you lately.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Happy Memorial Day, Gloria! Thanks for the inspiring post! My dad was in WWII with an anti-aircraft unit on Sipan in the Pacific. He almost never spoke about it either. We owe these men a lot, don't we? I hope you are feeling better!...hugs...Debbie

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

You do the best post g. So touching. thanks for coming by and I would like to tag you to do a pet peeve post too. I know it would be so funny...so how about it?

Helen said...

What a wonderful post and tribute .... I'm tippin' my hat to you today Ms. Gloria!

Cathy said...

Very touching post. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend.

Cathy

The Stylish House said...

Gloria,
What an interesting family history. I love to learn first hand stories like this. Thank you for sharing I enjoyed reading about it. ~Cathy~

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Sis...

What a GRAND post, Sis!!! Such a wonderful tribute to your Dad and Granddad...and all of those brave men and women who have and are now serving this great country!!! I'm so proud of them and so thankful for all of the sacrafices made!!!

I'm always such a mush about this and bawl like a baby!!! Every time I hear our anthem, I just can't help but get big ol' goosebumps and tears!!! I loved seeing the photos of your Dad and Grandad...and reading the postcard that he sent to your mama! He was quite a handsome man..even though his poor nose was swollen! Ohhh my...what treasures to have...your Dad's medals! I know that you prize them!!! Girl, my Dad's father also went in at Normandy beach...he was in the Navy!

Thank you so much for posting this sweet memorial remembrance in honor of all those who have and are serving!!!

Well Darlin'...was wondering if Len found you a dentist to go to? I sure hope that you found someone to help you out!!! I've been thinking about you and praying for you Sweetie!!! I sure hate thinking of you being in so much agony with that tooth! Let me know how you're doing honey!

Love ya and have a blessed and safe Memorial Day weekend!
Chari

Glimpse of My World said...

Thanks for sharing Gloria. What a great heritage. Thinking of you and hope you have a blessed week-end! HUGS!

Chandy said...

Gloria you have such a wonderful legacy to pass on to your grandsons down the line and thru this post, I can feel that you're not the only one very proud of your father's and grandfather's courage and service.

I have a brother that served in the Navy and one in the Army, so I will do so in honor of all men in uniform, past, present, future...

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Gloria, this was a beautiful post, and so full of interesting facts! I loved all of the stories of your memories. It sounded like a movie. I salute your father and grandfather and my husband and all of the men and women who keep our freedom protected. (That human statute of liberty is so neat-I've never seen that!) laurie

CIELO said...

What a sweet tribute to your dear dad... may our Heavenly Father continue to bless you and yours...

Hugs

cielo

Tomarie said...

I love ya G!! Thanks for stopping by...I hope to get back to blog visiting soon...I miss ya something terrible! I was spellbound as I was reading this. What a heartfelt story about your dad and grandfather...I honestly didn't want it to end!!!
I'm looking forward to catching up now that school is about over! Love ya! L~

FrenchGardenHouse said...

What a wonderful, wonderful post!! A beautiful tribute to all our service men and women. That photo is amazing, Gloria, isn't it?
xo xo lidy

Kathleen Ellis said...

Hi Gloria! what a nice post to honor your dad!We must remember those who've sacrificed to allow us our freedom!
Happy Memorial Day to you and yours!
Thanks for stopping by and saying hello!
;-D

Jessica said...

Gloria~ You have the most incredible pictures. So special and the medals...WOW! Thanks so much for sharing with us.

♥ J

The Raggedy Girl said...

What a wonderful post and thank you for sharing this very personal story, I really loved reading about your Dad.

The Raggedy Girl

Unknown said...

Hi Gloria! What a rich and wonderful history of service your family has shared in. I am so sorry that it took our country so long to honor the vets from WW11.Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for your kind comments and wishes for my daughter! : ) Happy Memorial Day!

~Liz

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Gloria, This was a beautiful post! I enjoyed reading of your dad and grandad's service to our country! I love the part about your mom and the lines down her legs, to represent stockings! :) Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute! Have a blessed and great Memorial Holiday, my friend! ~hugs, Rhonda :)

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Thanks for visiting!! Happy Memorial Day. Great post about your Dad. Love & blessings from NC!

Judi said...

This is a lovely post about your father. How very special to have these mementos and memories of him. He was a very honoured man. thank you for sharing with us today.
I hope you have a lovely Memorial Day.
It was so nice to have you come and visit and hope to see you back again soon.
Judi

Joyce said...

Oh Gloria I have tears in my eyes reading your wonderful tribute to your Dad and your Mom and Aunt Millie and your Dad's Dad. Thanks you for sharing and the statue of Liberty is amazing. My Mom and my Aunt Millie (think everyone has an Aunt Millie) both worked in an airplane factory in NY. I wish I had some of those old photos as they were fun to look at. I have been to the WWII memorial last year and it is so big and your Dad would have loved it. Have a nice weekend and again Thank You for sharing.
Joyce (Army Mom)

Lynn said...

Wow, Gloria!
You have a lot to be proud of!
Now wouldn't it be great if humankind could get to the point where we have no more wars to worry about.

Great statue of liberty photograph!
Lynn

Melly said...

Oh Gloria, this is a beautiful and touching post, thank you so much for sharing it.
I'm so glad that you came a visited with me and left me a sweet comment. I hope you don't mind me following you.
Have a super lovely day!
Hugs
Melly:)

SILVER said...

hey you! what a pleasant surprise to see you !!

Someone just wished me a Happy Memorial Weekend and i was like ..huh? ok..now i get it! it carries so much with it and the wish means so much more now.

PEACE!! and all that the veteran war soldiers had stood in the frontlines for this word.

Happy Memorial Week (!) Gloria!

Hugs-
~Silver

sunnymama said...

This post is a lovely tribute to your dad! Thanks for visiting my blog yesterday and leaving a lovely comment. I hope you're having a wonderful weekend too :)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Gloria, this is the sweetest post. I am crying from gratitude. My dad was 4-f due to a hand injury, but he tried to enlist and wrote each department of the military to take him. My uncle served on a destroyer.

A good friend of mine's mother was an Amercan nurse in France, and she went to a memorial service a few years ago in DC. My friend went with her, and she met a bunch of her mom's friends who were still alive. Kristen said she was so proud of her mom. Her dad was a pilot during WWII and died a few years before the memorial ceremony, so both served on the European front and met there. That's so neat about your mom and the parchute factory. Oh, how I love this country! It also makes me wonder if Kristen's mom might have taken care of your dad!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Coloradolady said...

This post was amazing. How proud you must be of your father and grandfather. In reading this, I was so proud myself that we had two brave men serving our country for future generations (me). Thank you Gloria...for your dad and grandfather.

Have a great rest of your weekend. Hugs.

kymber said...

What a great post Gloria!
How proud you must be of your daddy and what a wonderful service he did for our country. We all take for granted the many freedoms that we enjoy today because of these courageous men.

I LOVED the story about your mom and the panty hose lines! How cute is that!
Beautiful tribute Gloria - thank you for the reminder on this Memorial Day!
Blessings to you,
Kymber

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Sweet Gloria!

What a wonderful post! God bless your dear dad. How very fortunate that you have his medals. I'm sure you probably know this, but they're putting together a Purple Heart Hall of Honor..... http://www.thepurpleheart.com/ Your wonderful father should be a part of that! I'm so grateful to our military men and women. Thank God for them and their sacrifice. I can't imagine your dad, as such a young man, going into battle. You have EVERY right to be proud!

And, I have never seen The Human Statue of Liberty. FABULOUS!

Big hugs sweet gal!
Spencer

Nicole ~ said...

Happy Memorial Day to you my friend! This is such a moving tribute to your father & grandfather. I know you must feel so incredibly proud of these brave men. I know you will always cherish the metals your father earned while in the service sacrificing his life for all of the men & women.

I have never seen this picture of the human Statue of Liberty, it is absolutely amazing!!

Thank you so much for sharing all of the pictures with us, I enjoyed them very much. I hope you have a wonderful day today. Hugs, Nicole

Barb said...

Hi Gloria, thanks for your sweet comment at Bella Vista.

Happy Memorial Day to you and I do hope your tooth is all better!

Hugs, Barb

Lady Katherine said...

I loved reading about your Father and Grandfather! The photos, and the Statue of Liberty with the soldiers! What a great way to honor all our men out there that have fought for our Freedom. I got my Daddy to take his metals and awards from the closet, on to a wall. We all are so proud of our men! Ok I going to call My Daddy right now. Love ya Katherine

Deann said...

What a lovely post! I am so very thankful to those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom... it is something I will never take for granted!

P.S. I appreciate the nice comment you left when you stopped by my blog. Thanks!

Madeline's Album said...

Thank for your comment to my last post. Thank you for sharing your families history of their service to our country. My dad was in World War I, had an uncle in World War II, my husband served during the Korean War had a number of cousins and one brother in the navy. I thank all veterans for their service to this great country of ours. I see that you live in northern California. I was raised in the small town of Nevada City, California. We seem to have a lot in common. Have a blessed day. I hope you will visit again.

Kathy said...

Hi Gloria, what truly wonderful treasures you have, wishing you a safe, happy and blessed memorial day my friend, your post today really made me proud of your whole family and all those who have served to make the world a safer place for us all. I join you in remembrance and thanks. big hugs, Kathy.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing your memories and this post with us. Can you imagine what it was like a young man of just 17 years of age to off fighting a war. You must be so proud of your dad ♥ I'm so touched by this post. I wish your dad was still here so I could thank him.

Rebecca Nelson said...

Oh my gosh....this is such a lovely post. I loved seeing the medals of your beloved father. They made me cry.

Also had to comment on your little gg-daughter. My son Brandon (27 now) was in Children's Medical Center in Dallas when he was 6 months old. We almost lost him (Bacterial Infection)in 1982. The nurses and doctors were just the best...so loving and caring.

Blessings to talented one...Thank you for stopping by.

xoRebecca

Leave a Legacy said...

What a great post for this Memorial Day. You have to be so proud with such a family history. I love the human Statue of Liberty.
My grandfather also served for the army in WWII and now both of my sons are in the Air Force.
Your pictures and mementos are to be cherished.

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

What an awesome post...you must be very proud!! Hope this weekend has been lovely for you, all the best, Chrissy

Vee said...

Thank you for your sweet visit today and for leaving a comment so that I might find you. What a fascinating post. Thank you so much for sharing your father's and grandfather's stories of service with us.

{oc cottage} said...

WHAT A POST!!!! How fascinating!!!!
m ^..^

Together We Save said...

Wow. That was a wonderful post. What an great way to honor your father and all service men and women.

Cass @ That Old House said...

Dear Gloria,
Thank you so much for a remarkable and moving post -- I laughed AND cried. Wonderful. Thank goodness for the men like your Dad, my Dad, my father in law --- and all who came before them, and after them.
Thanks again ... Cass

Anonymous said...

Gloria, Thank you so much for sharing your father's history in your great Memorial Day tribute. I felt his pain, and yours. My relatives have served in Army and Navy. My brother-in-law's father was where your father was, and at the same time. He never talked about war until Tom Browkaw's book came out. The WWII vets had as much healing to do as vets of more recent wars, but they kept it hidden. I visited the WWII Memorial in DC a couple of years ago, and saw the vets come to pay tribute--all that I saw were in wheelchairs. Many thanks for your tribute, Fieldstone/Pam

Domestic Designer said...

What a wonderful tribute to your father. Thank you for sharing all the memories with us. A great reminder of what today is all about!

Anonymous said...

WOW, what a beautiful tribute to your father and grandfather. You did them proud. Girl, is there not anything that you don't collect? You are amazing. And I miss you so much. Hope you are doing well.

Love Ya,
Chris

The Muse said...

What a post this is...quite simply...it is the truest adoration of one country, one family, one daughter :)

May you be blessed during this and each day!

Lovely post, simply lovely!