Memorial Day memories Revisited

This is a re-post frrom a couple years ago.

When I was a toddler, my mother and I lived with her brother, Billy, and Grandma Cora. Uncle Billy had survived WWII in Europe. He was stationed at Fort Story, Virginia Beach. I have vague memories, not sure if they are real memories, or if Mom told me.

In the past few years, Mom has been downsizing and clearing out things. She gave me a box of photos. Included in the photos were things that belonged to Uncle Billy and photos taken when we lived with him. While looking at the photo’s I have a warm feeling of love. Can photos bring on feelings? Anyway , I’ve decided that they can.

I have Uncle Billy’s Purple Heart and awards from WWII. I have the original telegram informing Grandma that he had been killed in action in Korea. The box of photos also included Uncle Billy’s last letter home. He was killed within days of arrival in Korea. Just writing that makes me sad.

I’ve often wondered how different my life would be if Uncle Billy hadn’t gone to Korea. I know Mom wouldn’t have gone back to my father (he was a drunk), but then I wouldn’t have my brothers. After years of living with my father, Mom finely had enough and left him for good.

Years later, Mom met the man I called “DAD”. He was one of those men that took on a readymade family and no one ever knew we were not his children by birth. We were his kids. Even when my little sister was born, we were still his kids and all treated the same. Dad and Mom made a life for us.

Dad spent over 20 years in the US Navy. He worked a second job to ensure his kids had everything we ever needed. When Dad died a few years ago, I found out how many people knew and loved Dad.

When going through his stuff, I found Dad’s military documents. He lied to get into the Navy during the end of WWII. He spent time on the LOWA in the Pacific.

Our family has a lot of members that have served in the military; Grandma Cora servied in WWI, Uncle's Billy, Gene and Bubba served in WWII, Dad served in WWII, my brother's Rowland and Chucky served in the military, my husband and son served in the US Navy.  Tom served in Vietnam.

On this Memorial Day, remember all who have served. Today is a day to remember  those that gave their life for their country, remember the vets that came back and made this country better.