Friday, May 22, 2009

~MEMORIAL DAY...THE REAL CELEBRATION~

MY SWEET BABY - 1982
(Pretending to be a Naval Officer)

It was impossible for me to comprehend when I dressed my baby boy up in this fresh white Sailor Suit that one day he would wear a real uniform...


BRANDON KENT NELSON
United States Air Force
(Enlistment Day 2003)

A little over twenty years later. at the tender age of 21, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Brandon served state-side (Thank You, God) as a Computer Programmer. At his graduation from Basic Training the the tears fell like rain. We were Post 9-11 and the fear of the unknown overwhelmed his very proud father and I...

We placed him in God's hands as he followed in the footsteps of...


William Philip Elliott
(United States Marine Corp - 1979)

...my brother, Bill, one of the few, the proud, and the strong! He served our Nation in many places, including far away lands like the Philippines. He attained the rank of Sargent when only 19. He took after our...

William Edgar Elliott
(United States Navy - 1956)

...dearly beloved, father, who honorably served our Country for ten sacrificial years! He was an Atomic Veteran who loved the sea and longed to return. Years later the exposure to toxic levels of radiation frightened him~ I believe some of his health issues today directly link back to his military service.

He often referred to his father-in-law, my grandfather. and how he...

PHILIP WEBSTER MARTIN
(United States Army Air Corp - 1945)

...eagerly enlisted when he was well past thirty years of age in the United States Army Air Corp. He served as a Tail Gunner in WWII and shot down many enemy planes. Some of his hearing loss was attributed to the loud sounds from his weapon.

~*~
This weekend AMERICA celebrates Memorial Day. It is a time to reverence the lost and those who sacrificially gave all they had. Our beautiful Nation owes it's freedom to the thousands of men and women who once willingly served our Country and are still serving today.

It is my prayer as we holiday at the lake, shop 'til we drop, gulp down the burgers and drink up the soda that we will remember the lives lost and the broken hearts of those left behind.

~*~
Thank you Michael Weigel, my son-in-law, National Guardsman, who has already completed two tours in Afghanistan...we pray you don't have to return...

Thank you, Jayson Bybee, my nephew, who just enlisted in the National Guard...

Thank you, Nathan Nelson, my nephew, who is currently serving our Country in Iraq...we are praying for your safe return...

Thank you. Brandon, my son, for stepping forward and giving up friend and dear one when you left us. We know what your sacrifices were. You served your Country proud...and you blessed your daddy & momma... and changed the future of your tiny Miss K...

Thank you Bill, my brother, who showed us that at 17 a boy can be a real man...

Thank you, Daddy, for your sufferings...I pray to heaven someone besides your four children care... We will never forget...

Thank you, Grampa...Your courage in the face of danger has taught me to never fear the unknown for victory cometh to those who fight on...

Thank you, God for freedom...

Blessings to you as we remember...Rebecca

27 comments:

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Wonderful post. Amazing all the family members you have had and still have in the service. I thank them for their sacrifices!

Tanza said...

Ooohh Amen to this Rebecca..
I think we all need to go to our knees,bow our heads,and thank God for this wonderful Country we live in !! Thank you Jesus for all the brave men that have gone forth to protect and serve us !!And may I add, everyone I know so willingly..They believe in our freedom, and this great land America, that they so honorably serve, and try to keep safe and secure..Thank you Rebecca,for this very important reminder, and again please pray for every man and boy that has served our awesome FREE Country.. God Bless you all, and yes WE appreciate all your sacrifices.. Blessings to you sweet ladys for a memorable and fun Memorial week-end.. God is Good..Thanks again ~r~..Love and hugs to you as always..xxoo ~tea~

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

I am in awe of your amazing family!!! Please convey my gratitude to all of these wonderful men that are still with us!!! Where would we be without them!!!

Thank you so much for your sweet words earlier!!! Your prayers and kindness are greatly appreciated. I believe in a powerful and loving God and know that if it is his will Connor will be healed and in the absence of that healing he will be there to comfort this sweet family!!!

Thank you again for your prayers!!!
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Eclectic Chic Style said...

Great Memorial Tribute Post Rebecca, and what a fine line of soldiers in your family!!! Thank them all for me too and for the freedom we enjoy today because of each and every one of them!!! God Bless them All!!

(I have a Brandon too btw, he is 20 and going to college to be a fireman.) Don't they just make us Momma's proud??? ;)

Candy said...

Loved your comments today about Mary, sweet Mary, a woman who went after what she wanted.
There are times when I would love to gather in a room of my blog friends, hug, and share our hearts. You have left me with those thoughts this evening. Thank you.

Bless you on this special Memorial weekend.
Candy

My Pink & Cream Cottage said...

What a beautiful post, here we have Anzac day which was last month where we give thanks to all the Australia & New Zealanders who have fought for our freedom since WW1. It would always move me to tears to see the Vets marching so proudly especially the WW1 diggers which sadly are now nearly all gone, as they would remind me of my great Uncle who served in WW1 & came home a very shattered man after what he had seen. So dear Rebecca enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, you have every reason to be proud.As we say *We will remember them*....

lyn xxx

Anonymous said...

DEAR REBECCA,
TEARS FILL MY EYES AS I READ YOUR POST. IT IS VERY HARD FOR ME TO READ ABOUT ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH OUR MILITARY. WHEN I HEAR TAPPS, I CRY, WHEN I SEE A CONVOY TRAVELING OUR FREEWAY, OFF TO AN UNKNOWN DESTINATION, I CRY. I CRY AT THE FIREFIGHTERS AND MILITARY MEN IN PARADES. IT COMES WITH THE TERRITORY OF BEING RAISED IN A MILITARY FAMILY. MY GRANDFATHERS, MY FATHER, UNCLE, AND COUSIN WHO IS NOW A US ARMY SRGT, MAJOR AND HAS SERVED SINCE 1988. IT ALL DIGS DEEP AT MY HEART. NOT OF SORROW, BUT OF PRIDE. WE ARE TRULY LUCKY FOR ALL MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SACRAFICED FOR OUR COMFORT AND FREEDOM, MAY WE NEVER KNOW THE EXPERIENCE OF WAR ON OUR SOIL. GOD BLESS- HEATHER

English Cottage in Georgia said...

What an awesome patriotic family you have. America is so fortunate to have families such as yours.
Your son was a cute baby and a handsome young man.
Kudos, to you for raising such a fine, young man.
Happy Memorial Day!

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

Thank you Rebecca for this beautiful reminder. Jesus died for our sins and American soldiers died for our freedom.
xxoo, Susan

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

What a beautiful post. I love visiting the blogs that truly remember the meaning. Your photos really touch my heart of your family members in the Service. Blessings to you and your family on Memorial Day.

Tara said...

What a wonderful tribute to your loved ones! God Bless your family for all they sacrifice. I do believe it is a sacrifice, even for the loved ones of the enlisted. Sometimes I think it can be almost as hard on the families at home to wait and worry and not know what is going on.

I pray that all your loved ones return home safely and that they return home soon. God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Rebecca, I love this post as I love all of your writings. It makes me so proud and so thankful to be an American.

Many thanks to the men in your life as well as others who serve our country. May God bless all of these fine men and women.

Thank you for the beautiful post and sharing your life.

Much love sweet Rebecca,
Rhonda

Barb said...

Hi Sweet Rebecca, this is the first time in days I have been able to access your blog.

This is a beautiful tribute and yes, we need to think of those who gave their lives for this precious country. I know I will be.

Blessings and love to you, Barb

Anonymous said...

Becky--

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for writing this beautiful tribute. Our U.S. Military -- Warriors All!

In spirit, I place a wreath of flowers and "Old Glory" upon my father's gave. I am always saddened when Memorial Day arrives because I am so far from my father's final resting place.

I am so proud of our fmaily members, and the many other brave souls, who have served our Great Nation with love and pride.

We will not forget -- I will never forget! God Bless America.

Love you-- Mom

blushing rose said...

I love your tribute Rebecca. It brings a lot of emotion to me ... my husband & 2 sons all served in the USN, my hubs 2 brothers served in the USN, my dad in the Army, my good uncle & many other relatives in the Army WWII. This was an exquisite post. TY for such a wonderful writing. Happy safe holiday weekend. TTFN ~ Marydon

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh Sweet Rebecca..

You always have the words for the things I WANT to say. I am soooo very grateful to all who have served the great country. We are more fortunate than many realize. God bless them all!

Big hugs! Enjoy your weekend.
Spencer

Wildbillyelliott said...

What a great tribute, Beck. I am moved by the collage and your kind words. Thank you.

Often Tested
Always Faithful
Brothers Forever

There are no EX-MARINES...
Not even FORMER MARINES...
Only INACTIVE MARINES...

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Thank your family for me, Rebecca. What a rich heritage of freedom footsteps. You have a sacred bloodline that runs deep. So thankful for mine also that connects me directly back to the throne of grace.

Thanks for visiting the blog. You are always welcome there.

peace to you and yours this Memorial Day~elaine

A Romantic Porch said...

Thank you to you and your family members who have sacrificed for all of us. I am truly thankful. Have a wonderful weekend. xo rachel

Terry said...

Thank you !
God bless you for posting this beautiful tribute to remind us what is real and important in life.
have a blessed day.

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Hello Rebecca,

This is a beautiful post. I'd like to add my own "Thanks" and say how much I appreciate the honorable sacrifices of the many noble souls who offer (ed) their lives in service of our ideal of freedom and good. I grew up in a military family and understand the sacrifice made by all members. God Bless. Thank you again for the lovely post.
Warmly,
Tracey

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Beautiful post...I love your blog..hope you don't mind me following you...may you have a great memorial day my new friend...hugs and snd smiles Gl♥ria

Andrea said...

What a very beautiful post and loving tribute to the dear ones in your family who have sacrificed for our country.

I know you are proud of them all, especially your son, who is so near to your heart and life.

What a wonderful legacy you have been given!

I hope you have had a wonderful, blessed Memorial Day!

Many blessings,

Andrea

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Thank you so much for coming by and seeing my blog girl...it means the world to me...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Carla said...

Pretty page!!! Great post:)

Rhonda said...

Rebecca,

Howdy to another Okie!

I am so glad I found your blog from the comment you left on my blog, it is just beautiful!

Your son is so handsome in his dress blues, I am very partial to Marines as my sweet DH was a Marine.

Lara Harris said...

Lovely post indeed!God bless!:o)

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