Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day


On this Memorial day, I am truly appreciative of all the members of our families who have fought to protect us. My Bowman, Chinn, Kirtley, Percival, Webb ancestors fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, Indian Wars, Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I and World War II.


Both my grandfathers were in the Army during World War I. Charles Zimmeth, my mother's father was gassed during his service in France.


My dad served in the US Navy during World War II, in the Pacific aboard a destroyer escort. I'll never forget what he told me about how slow destroyers were. Bigger ship, more power? Nope. Bigger ship, more weight, slow. After the war in the Pacific was over, DEC-704, the Cronin, also ferried soldiers back. Even that was not without danger for the seasick among the returning troops. We're talking seriously crowded conditions with seasick sleeping on deck. If they could sleep that is!


So take a few minutes today and remember that serviceman or woman in your family and what they may have sacrificed to keep us safe.

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