Friday, November 8, 2013

Honor

My family has a long military tradition.  My mom's dad was a Marine in WWII and my dad's dad was in the Navy in WWII.  My dad and his brother both served in the Navy (my dad retired in 1996 after 36 years of service).  My brother Nathan was in the Marine Corps and my brother Nick was in the Navy.  My cousin Drew was in the Marine Corps, my cousin Austin is a pilot in the Air Force and my cousin Caitlin is in the Navy.  Michael's family also has a long military history, but I will totally forget someone if I try to list them, so I won't.  I will say his brother is active duty in the Army though. 
 
Spencer's school had a big assembly this morning in honor of Veterans Day.  About 5 weeks ago I filled out a piece of paper with our family's military members (we decided to limit it to my dad and our 3 brothers) and sent it in to be included in a visual display of names. 
 
My dad was able to come up from Tucson and participate so he was able to sit with the other Veterans during the assembly.
Side note: I bought my shirt from The Gap in 1995 when I was a sophomore in high school.  I try to wear it once a year so I don't have to get rid of it.
 
Can you see Spencer's little face poking out in the back row?



 
Miss Arizona 2013 was there.  She sang the National Anthem and gave a little speech.
Elliott ran around like a wild man.  Thank goodness there was plenty of space behind where all the kids were sitting so he didn't interrupt or bother anyone.
 
He applauded and cheered when appropriate.

 
After 45 minutes of running and clapping he needed a snack.

 
Our brothers and my dad had their names on the honor poster.
People were quite impressed by my dad's uniform and we even had strangers ask if they could take a picture with him.  Maybe next year he can sing the National Anthem and give a speech. 
We have a busy, busy weekend planned.  Nothing specific to Veterans Day, but I'm taking a (free!) continuing education class, going to a baby shower and getting some holiday shopping done.  And by "holiday shopping" I mean new holiday/family picture clothes for all of us!

4 comments:

Tracy said...

The picture of your dad and your little guy is amazing! And I love your 1996 shirt. =)

Sherry said...

Awww, I love this post! I would have probably been crying during the little ceremony. I started tearing up on Thursday at Evan's school awards ceremony when the kids all recited the Pledge of Allegiance and then the National Anthem was played. I'm just so thankful they can still experience these moments and hope it doesn't change. You dad is so handsome in his uniform...I do think you look a lot like him! My dad retired from the Air Force and served in Vietnam, my husband's dad served in the Marines and was in Vietnam, and his grandfather served in WWII in the army so military is definitely important to us as well.

Maryellen said...

Very cool!! I love that your dad wore his uniform!!!!

Cat said...

Very nice!