Memorial Day surprise for you

[Paula]

Ok lovely ladies and handsome Aaron!! I've got a Memorial Day goody for you compliments of Krystal Hartley!!

Since today is Memorial Day, the day that we remember our fallen soldiers, I was thinking it would be fitting if you told me about who you're remembering today and why!

Please post here who you are remembering today and I'll come back and have my kids draw a number. Whoever has that post # will win a $10 GC to Krystal Hartley's store here at SSD!!

How does that sound?

[AnnieBananie]

I'm remembering Army Cpl. Andrew J. Kemple... his sister and I were friends. He was such a sweet kid. ♥

[rachaelsscraps]

I'm remembering both of my grandfathers who were in the military. I never met either, they both passed away before I was born.

[alansrock]

I am a vet myself so I am thankful for all who serve so I never just single one person out. God Bless our troops past and present!

[junebug]

my DH used to be in the Army for 8 years; got out in Feb. 2007. i am so thankful for all who serve, past present and future

[emmasmommy]

My grandfather who I never met was a soldier...always thinking of him. I also have a friend who is currently serving in Afghanistan.

[lizzyfizzy]

what a wonderful contest!!!

[jolenekwhite]

I am remembering all who have served and continue to serve our Great Nation. God Bless America!!

[jessica31876]

I am remembering my dad who served in the Vietnam War in the Air Force and died when I was just a little girl. I was only four or five when he passed. I do not have very many memories of him because I was so young and only have a single photo of him when he was a child.

[lovely1m]

I always think of my grandfather on Memorial Day. He was very proud of his short time in the Army during Korea. He was also extremely proud when I joined the military. I always make sure to take my ds to his grave at the Veteran's Cemetary and take a picture sometime around now. This year I am also thinking about my friends. Half of our unit is in Iraq right now.

[dover6473]

I have several family members that served. My dad served in the Air force, so did my grandfather that I never got to meet. I think of my Uncle and his struggles he lived with after the Vietnam War. Two years ago he died from liver problems due to drinking.

[Paula]

I am remembering my great Uncle Paul who died in Vietnam. I never met him, I was only two when he passed on.

I am also thinking about my ggg grandfather who died during service to the union during the Civil War. His last letter to his wife was very poignant and the love they felt for each other is quite evident.

And, I am also thinking about my sweet cousin Jason who is serving for the third time in Iraq. I know Memorial Day is supposed to be a day to remember the fallen who died in service, but I can't help but think of him today.

[momtutu]

I'm remembering a little girl's father in my daughter's first grade class. My kids (ages 7 and 9) and I were talking about what Memorial Day means and DD (7) told me that a little girl in her class brought her father's Air Force jacket to school for sharing day and that her dad had died. I didn't even know. So, on this day...I think of him and all the others.

If you all haven't seen this blog before I encourage you to check it out today - I was moved to tears with this one...
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/

Remarkable photographs!

[heatherdumas]

I am remembering my cousin Brian. He is a West Point graduate. He went on to become a army surgeon and has been deployed countless times to Afganistan and Iraq. I miss him very much and it is almost impossible to keep track of him. I especially miss him this time of year because we would spend every weekend together when I was a kid. The smell of cookouts gets me nastalgic.

[Sheana]

I'm thinking of and praying for one of my life long friends today. He has just been deployed for his second tour in Iraq.

[Punkie Pie Designs]

My grandfather was in the military- he passed away 10 years ago but I always remember him on that day!

[DawnMarch]

I'm remembering my great uncle who died in WWII, and my great aunt who remained a widow from that time (when she was a young adult) for the rest of her life.

[iJenny]

my great-uncle Gary. He was in the Marines, the Air Force, and the Navy. He spent the last years of his career working for the CIA in the Pentagon before he suffered a brain anuerism just a few months before the 9/11 attacks. He's still alive, but obviously unable to work. He had an amazing career in the military and is a true patriot.

[isaacsmom]

I am so thankful to all who have served for our country and who continue to serve today. I am thinking today of my brother-in-law who served a few years ago in Iraq and lost several of the members of his unit. I also think of my brother who is currently serving in the Air Force. May God bless all those who continue to serve our country!

[Rae's World]

I am keeping in my heart my grandfather, two great uncles, three uncles, my brother and his wife and everyone who is currently and has every served our country on some capacity. How blessed I am to live in this awesome country!!!

[Sharon Kay]

I think not of one person...but of all the wonderful people that are serving our country (past and present) that gave us the right to be free. I also think of all the military spouses and the children left behind when their loved one is deployed.

My bil is in the air force...he is a civilian on the base...but is in the reserves and has been activated a few times. I see how it affects my sister and nieces. I truly appreciate all that everyone has done (and are doing) to protect our rights to freedom.

On a non-military standpoint I am thinking of my dad...I grew up watching the Indy race with my dad every year...he is no longer with us...so I can't watch it with him or even discuss the race with him. This is the weekend I miss my dad the most...this was our time together each year.

[littlekiwi]

I am remembering all who have served and continue to serve in the world

[bevstewart]

My father served in the Army and my father-in-law in the Navy during World War II - they are both deceased now and I miss them terribly. My husband served in the Navy during Vietnam as well as my brother-in-law was in the Army and then later the Air Force during Vietnam. I am so proud of all of my family members who have served as well as the men and women proudly serving the US of A.

My saddest memory is of a dear friend with a brand-new daughter who was awaiting his return in the early years of Vietnam - Joe was killed just a week before he was to return. A proud Marine.

I always remember as a Girl Scout and a cheerleader marching in our Memorial Day parade in our small town. Quite an impact on a young person.

God Bless the USA!
Bev

[ajf9597]

I've been thinking about my FIL. He passed away Nov 2005 and he will never get to see our kids grow up. He will never even get to meet Emily, so that is really hard on DH. We miss him everyday and DS still talks about what he remembers, so today we are remembering him.

[Kat Stokes]

We are thinking about our grandfathers and great-grandfathers and DH's Uncles that served/died in our family. However, my heart goes out to every single person that has served or is currently serving our Country.

[SirScrapalot]

I am thankful for all of those who serve, but I am especially remembering my father in law who passed away a little over a year ago at 55.

[clearskies]

I am thinking of my husband who is currrently deployed and my grandfather was served during WWII and passed in 2006.

[Siryn]

I've been thinking all day about my Grandpa who died 20 years ago this year. He served in the Army. I've also been really thinking about my cousin whom I'm very close to - he just got orders this week for Iraq and he's supposed to be leaving at the end of August for one year over there. I'm really scared for him and hope and pray that everything goes ok for him while he's there.

[Paula]

Originally Posted by momtutu

I'm remembering a little girl's father in my daughter's first grade class. My kids (ages 7 and 9) and I were talking about what Memorial Day means and DD (7) told me that a little girl in her class brought her father's Air Force jacket to school for sharing day and that her dad had died. I didn't even know. So, on this day...I think of him and all the others.

If you all haven't seen this blog before I encourage you to check it out today - I was moved to tears with this one...
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/

Remarkable photographs!

Congratulations Kelli! My kids chose post #13 and you were it!! Please contact me via PM for your GC code!!

Thanks everyone for playing along today! I enjoyed reading your posts!!

[pbumbaca]

I'm late but I'll post...

My Grandfather who was killed in WWII when my mom was just a baby and all the fallen soldiers who have fought for our freedom.

Congrats Kelli

[momtutu]

Me??? I won??? WOW!! Thank you so much Paula and Krystal!! (thank your kids for me Paula)!!

I hope everyone has had a simply lovely day!!

[lnewhouse]

This is a really great contest! I am remembering my Dad who passed away a few years ago and was laid to rest in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery here in San Antonio. He was a huge part of my life right up until he died and I miss him sooooooooo much!

[jannylynn]

My Grandfather served in WWII. He's still alive today and tells many stories about his time in the service.

[DaleAnn/dcdesigns]

I always think of my daddy, and how blessed I am to still have him with me, after he served in Viet Nam before I was born. If he hadn't made it out alive, I wouldn't even be here. He has all kinds of health issues, some stemming from agent orange, and some from the post traumautic syndrome, so I cherish every moment I have with him. I am constantly reminded of just how fragile our human status is.

da

[ashersmommy]

I'm remembering all who were brave enough to serve and help our country. My father is a veteran and I took my little ones to the Memorial Day parade today and explained what it meant to my 3 year old.

[wildblueeyez]

a little late coming in on this but I'm remembering my Dad - not that he's gone or anything - but he served overseas in the Korean War. But the sad truth is he's not considered a veteran because it was termed a conflict, not a war.

[kimminick]

I remember my grandparents as well as my Uncle Phil who is still over on the Kuwait/Iraqi border.

[xboxmom]

Quick I was driving home from Canada yesterday hope I can still chime in! As we were driving across these 2 great countries it just reminded me not only of our american soldiers who risk their lives to keep us free but also all the soldiers everywhere that have dedicated their lives, to keep peace around the world! It also made me sad that I am not home to put flowers on all the graves something we always did as a traditional thing in our family and I miss it.