Memorial Day...I remember, too as an Army Brat

Throughout the past years I have shared many Memorial Day memories of those within my family that have served/died/continue to serve and retired as military.  So, today...this Memorial Day...I am just going to share a tidbit of a memory of an Army Brat during a time within our nation where "CONFLICT and WAR" were synonymous to those fighting and "we" who loved those who fought for democracy.

Vietnam Era:

Pages from my mother's Okinawa, Japan photo album.

My step-father served during the Vietnam time and this is a photo of his locker while he was on tour.

Pictures of my youngest brother Matthew and step-brother Phillip are proudly displayed.  Cir. 1970.

SSG Sylvester Buddy Ellis-locker 

While my step-father was stationed in Okinawa- we came shortly thereafter and lived on the economy waiting for housing on base.  We lived on Mashinato and my father worked at Naha.

The picture below is me riding a horse.  An Okinawan man used to come by in the late afternoons and for $0.10 cents one could get an escorted ride on his horse.  I loved it.

May 1971-Okinawa, Japan

Shortly after this picture was taken, we finally moved on base and the below picture is with our maid Toshiko and my little brother Matthew.

I still have this kimono.

June 1971- Kimberly, Matthew, & Toshiko- Okinawa, Japan

My first day of school in Okinawa, Japan.  Going into first grade and we had to walk or ride our bikes to school.  I remember this day very well.  This picture was in front of our home.  I remember no air conditioning and lizards everywhere.  They were supposed to be good luck.  We lived at the base of Haboo/Habu Hill.

September 1971- Kimberly- Okinawa, Japan-First Day of First Grade

I would not change a thing in my life about being an Army Brat.  I had an education that only many dare to dream of having.  Growing up in the military may be tough but in the long run...we military brats can handle a great deal more than the "average kid" that grew up on the same street most of their lives.

So, I say "THANK YOU DAD" for taking us around the world with you...when you could.

Today, I remember...I remember well.

Remembering today...

Today, I remember with loving thanks

Today is a day when we remember our fallen heroes. Those that paid the ultimate cost with their own lives for the sake of all Americans. I am from a military family. I have a military father(died in Vietnam), step-father(served in Vietnam), uncles, cousins, a brother, and of course
from the Greatest Generation, my grandfather.

The photo above is my Grandfather-Gartis G. Thornton, my grandmother-Bea, my mother-Brenda, and my uncle-Chuck.
(all deceased)

It has been said and I will say it again, without the our heroes we would not have democracy today in our everyday lives if it were not for the huge sacrifice that was given by our fallen heroes. We were a family that was lucky not to have to go on without a loved one but the scars that were left from WWII were never forgotten. My grandfather had a very hard time moving forward with life once he returned from the war.
He died in 1986.
My mother was the next to die from this family in 1988. My grandmother died last year, 3 days after her 90th birthday. My uncle died this year in April.
So, today... we remember the dead. It is morbid, yes. It is selfish, yes.
But I am living proof that life and generations continue after death. I am living proof that sacrifice from war whether it be during the war or the lingering memories that haunt ones life upon returning....still live on. I am proud to have been from a family that is military. I am proud that I grew up as an army brat. I am proud now, that I have a son who has served in Iraq and continues to serve our country.

Today...I remember you Papa!
Thank you for serving in Okinawa, Japan.

We Remember...

We went downtown to the Veterans Memorial in our little city yesterday to lay flowers and a card of our loved ones who have served in a war and are no longer with us. We also gave thanks to those in our family who died serving and are serving. It was important for us to lay flowers and take a moment to reflect on ultimate sacrifices. As we were standing at the front of the memorial, our daughter started saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. We joined her and my heart swelled with great pride and to know that my daughter understood. It was a time of great reflection and great pride to be an American.

The official celebration of our county was on Saturday, but we just could not bear that there were no flowers set out on this special day.

What caught my heart in a split second is that I had not recited the Pledge of Allegiance in decades, or at least to what my memory can recall.

But this very day, I was reminded by a 6 year old, that our country deserves the respect of a poem that states we stand behind the colors that embodied so many of those that fight to defend and make a stand for her wave.

The War in Iraq and Afghanistan are currently being fought. There is not a stone memorial in place for these wars as of yet. I am sure they will soon be placed here. Our county has lost several men to these wars. But they are NOT forgotten by any means.

There are those that for whatever reason have never made it home. We will not forget about them either. I am in awe of our country and her men and women that put our FREEDOMS first.

For without them, we could not salute a flag or voice our opinions without the very fibers that embody the spirit of Sacrificial Freedom and a Flag that Waves as a REMINDER...they are never forgotten.

Lest We Never Forget...

Those whom have fought and sacrificed for the United States of America.

Lest we NEVER forget!