Dan was in college during the Viet Nam years, then was given a teaching deferment after graduation. Although he took his physical, the call never came. However, Dan’s first cousins, Fred, Kurt and Roger all served in Viet Nam, a difficult war with little fanfare for those who returned.
This picture was taken sometime in the spring or summer of 1942. Uncle Bill is the youngest of the four boys and the only one called to serve in World War II. I wrote about his service here. He was a medic and participated in D Day. (Dad is on the far right). Second from the left in the back is Uncle Lawrence. His great granddaughter, Rachel and her husband, are currently serving.
Thanks to my cousin Sylvia in Colorado, I also know that I have a family member who served our country, before it was the United States of America. Sylvie traced my Mom’s mother’s family back to the Revolutionary War. She did all of this work after my Mom was unable to understand. However, Mom’s brother, Sylvie’s Dad, did know and shared all of our pride in this heritage.
So, this is a special thank you to family members and all others who have served during war time and peace to preserve our freedom. To Carole’s Dad and Dr. Fyler who were POWs in WWII, to Ernie, a fellow post office employee who was sent into tunnels in Viet Nam, to Cheryl & Dwight’s dads, Sylvie’s Mike and Kaylene’s Kenny, Sue’s Dad, Peg’s family, including her husband and grandson, SSGT Tyler Britton, who has recently returned from Afghanistan.
And, to family members of others who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you.