My father was a WWII veteran - Louis Buren
his grandfather was a veteran of the Indian Wars - Louis Hermes (I have a
clipping showing him as one of the last surviving IW vets). He was in Mjr.
Reno's group, thank you Custer for leaving them behind.
My maternal grandfather was a WWI vet - William Edwards
My cousin died in Viet Nam - Johnny Edwards
My brother-in-law served in Viet Nam - Sonny Campbell (Walter Harry)
My husband's great grandfather was a Civil War Vet - James Mehlander
Campbell.
I personally use memorial day to honor ALL my deceased family, not just
military. It's Decoration Day... we honor those who paved the path so we
can sit here at our computer's and dispute the meaning of a day, chat with
people world-wide, make derogatory remarks about our government (try that in
some other country's!). We don't have to salute our flag (I do). We don't
have to recite the pledge (I do, but failed Spanish for refusing to recite
in Spanish, but I had the right to refuse!), and even though they say we
can't, we can say a prayer where and when we want (a moment of silence is
used as we wish, I usually say a prayer). I don't go to church... my
choice, my freedom to choose. I believe in God.. I believe there is one
God, no matter the religion someone has (my choice, so don't hassle me).
I am now going to go to the cemetery and honor my grandfather Edwards (even
though he was a mean fellah), his first wife, my gramma Anna Devenny Edwards
Montgomery (she deserves honor from all that she endured with Grandpa
Edwards & her children afterwards). I go several times a year & would go
(as I did before moving away) more often if I could (cemeteries are peaceful
places to walk). I go because I have the freedom to go. I can go into any
restaurant I want, any store I want, I can believe as I want... and this is
due to those who give their lives to keep the WORLD free. For this I am
ever thankful. But I am also thankful to those who lived before me that
made my existance possible. My Mom... she had 10 children & my dad was in
hospitals for the most of our years at home, and she has survived! It is
now my turn to return the favor, and I do so freely & willingly. My Grandpa
Wenström/Buren, who came to America in 1900 & left me the clues I needed to
return to Sweden 100 years later (to the week) and meet his family there (I
have the freedom to go to other country's should I choose). Had Grandpa not
stayed in America, gotten a little German girl in the family way.. and her
daddy, thanks granpa Hermes for following this playboy Swede to Chicago and
making him marry Gramma, for without your help, I would not be here today...
When you visit your loved ones gravesites today... take a few extra flowers
& drop one on a grave that is bare and unkempt... they all deserve a bit of
respect.
Ok... soap box is put away for today... May God Bless.. Marge Campbell -
Lodi, CA