Memorial Day has long lost it's meaning of honoring our veterans who have served our country and who are no longer with us.  Because of many of the sacrifice the veterans made for us we are able to freely have picnics, talk politics and religion, and take a day meant to honor the fallen and do what we want with it.  We aren't forced as citizens to stand and watch parade, or go to a cemetery as we might have been if our veterans hadn't protected our basic rights of freedom.  

 In recognition of Memorial Day I want to honor and thank all the members of my family who have served our country, both living and dead.  My family has a long tradition of serving in the military.  Closest to me is Michigan Dad, former Marine.  Uncle Fred and Cousin Bob, former Navy, Uncle Bill, former Marine.  Then we hit the "greatest generation" - those men and women in my family who served during WWII. My dad's dad and all his brothers.  Most all my great great uncles, and many great aunts (Wacks and Waves) on my mom's side.  My maternal grandpa was in the National Guard. 

I'd like to highlight 4 family members.  The first is my Great Uncle Mel.  Mel enlisted in the US Marines at the age of 17.  He was recruited into the elite Marine Rangers after training.  After many years he wrote the story of his experiences in Eagle Eye.  If you want to read a story that will curl your hair, and make you thankful for the sacrifices our young men made in WWII go to Amazon and get the book.  I read the manuscript before it was published and I couldn't put it down.  Not because of any superb writing style, but because of the story.  Uncle Mel received the Silver Star, Purple Heart and a number of other honors.  He served on Guam, Midway Island and Iwo Jima.  Uncle Mel is still active with the marines volunteering with the veterans hospital and lives in Scottsdale Arizona.  His wife Harriet passed away in 2003 after 57 years of marriage with Uncle Mel.

The next three are my Great Uncle Steve, Alex and Joe.  Joe is the only surviving brother and still lives in the Lansing Michigan area with his wife.  They all served in the Navy.  I've attached an article that was in the local newspaper in the 1940's.

I have vivid memories of Uncle Steve.  He and Aunt Iris lived on a farm.  I always loved to go there in the summer, sit in the shade and listen to the adults talk.  Uncle Steve always wore overalls, and loved his John Deere.  When he died I couldn't go to the funeral.  My sister said he was buried in a suit, which didn't seem right to either of us.  I also loved seeing my Uncle Joe. He was so much fun, and very handsome (still is).  He looks like a child in the picture. 

So, on Monday, consider taking a moment of silence to honor our veterans, living or dead.  Regardless of how you feel about what's going on  in the Middle East today.  Veterans are real people to me, and I'm proud of all of them.