Memorial Day is upon us, the start of summer, the end of school, the Day of the Watermelon. It is also a time to remember everyone who has served our country.
My grandfather was from Muleshoe, Texas. He was a farmer by birth, but he drove freight wagons to Amarillo, which made him a mule skinner. That’s what they called those early day truck drivers. So when World War One rolled around, he was a perfect candidate to drive the ambulances of the time–wagons pulled by mules. He was stationed in France. He pulled soldiers off the front line and hauled them back to the hospital camps. We were talking about him not too long ago, trying to remember what he said about that war. 
The only thing any of us could remember is that he didn’t like the French and said they were lazy. Now, I don’t think an entire nation of Frenchmen were lazy. I think he ran across one or two who didn’t do things like he would do them. But wouldn’t I love to know what happened to him? What fighting that war was like? How they got mules and wagons to France and back? And I would also like to hug him. I did love that old man something fierce and even though he has been gone since I was twelve, I still remember him vividly and fondly. So this Memorial Day, I am thinking of Leon Devotie Winn, eating some watermelon, and swimming with a couple of kids who have no idea who he was or what he did.
Are you honoring any soldiers this weekend? Are you doing anything special for Memorial Day? Will you cut open a watermelon, take a swim, see a movie, or do something else in America that we can do because of the sacrifice of others? Whatever your plans, have a safe and glorious Memorial Day Weekend!
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My Grandpa Bob served in France during WW1. He was billeted with a French woman who called him Monsieur Moustache. Needless to say this annoyed my grandmother no end.
I watched Horses in World War 1 last night on YouTube. Very moving.
Here’s the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKFRhFQkstw&feature=BFa&list=PL686E968AB492FB38
My family is celebrating the safe return of my Marine great nephew, who just returned from Afghanistan on Thursday. We’re all so happy to have him home safe and sound, it makes for a great Memorial Day.
That is fabulous, Barbara! Our thanks to your Marine great nephew for his service. I hope he gets to stay home awhile.
11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is the UK Rememberance Day. I honor the lives and sacrifices of all who served. My Dad is a Nam vet. And my mother in law talks none stop of the war here, of rationing. You can still see the bullet holes in a few buildings. The Italian POWs were kept on the grounds of Wollaton Hall. My father in law used to play football (soccer) with some. They were brought in to help in the potato fields. Because of how well they were treated many stayed and brought their families over. The Americans had a camp at Wollaton as well. Next time I go I will take a pic of the memorial to them for their sacrifices.
Our holiday weekend is NEXT weekend. We celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with not just Monday but Tuesday off as well. Well most do. I work in a carehome so I don’t really get the days off.
We only just got the lovely summery weather this past week. Watermelon here is weird. They are small dark green round things. I miss those huge hindenberg shaped stripey watermelons you got in Florida that took you days as kids to eat.
I wish we could swim in the river here. But you can catch Weills disease (from the rat pee EW!!!!) and it sounds pretty nasty. I miss the beach. I really really do. It was the answer to everything. Wanted to bake? Beach. Wanted to check out guys and be checked out? Beach. Want to take a quiet moonlit walk and cry your eyes out? Beach. Want to submarine watch? Beach. (Always best with a really good kisser in the life guard tower).
This weekend I will be doing nothing. It’s hubby’s birthday tomorrow and I think he just wants to chillax at home.
Have a great weekend all!
You can’t swim in FL lakes/rivers either, right? But Beach! Yeah. I love that moonlit walk and crying your eyes out stuff. Happy birthday to Mr. Ti (I believe that is AKA Sean, which is also my husband’s name).
Yep. Sean. He had a great day which included a 4 hour nap. Which I think was his perfect day. lol
I think we are going to go to NY tomorrow for fleet week. All the ships will be in the harbor so I thought the kids would enjoy it. I also plan on celebrating my birthday – it’s not until Tuesday but I figured why not celebrate all weekend? My family is visiting on Sunday, so that should be fun too.
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
Celebrate all weekend! Yay! Happy birthday! NY is always fun.
Happy Birthday Suzy Q!
The end of school? Hahaha. That one always cracks me up. There’s another month to go in this part of the country. The end never felt near enough when mine were school-age kiddos. Now that they’re past that and in college (which mostly ends in mid May), much more relaxing Memorial Days.
Great post, Julia. We usually go watch the parade in town, but this year, we’ll be staying inside, letting Isabella recoup. Shutting down the computer right now and heading to the hospital. Catch y’all on the flip side!
Best wishes to Isabella!
He was a handsome fella, Julia London. Cool family history.
I will be spending Sunday with family in a low-key celebration of both Memorial Day and my son’s 21st birthday (which is actually today!). I will be with my grandfather, the remaining family veteran (my grandmother also served). He was US Air Force before it was actually called Air Force. After testing, he was pulled out of boot camp (never did boot camp!) because they determined he could be more useful in other ways. I won’t reveal those other ways, but mostly he was a meteorologist who served in several wars, including WW II, and all around the globe. He is very proud of his service and I am very proud of him. He’ll always be my Papa and I will always be his princess (as he reminded me with a birthday card that turns into a tiara not too long ago). So glad he’s still with me!
We always make a point of watching the PBS Memorial Day concert.. Thanks to all those who serve and have served in our military!!
Yes, thank you!
Very cool, Sandy! A parade sounds like just the thing.
My dad got his flying license at the age of 16. He was stationed at Hammer Field in Fresno, CA (which explains why I was born there) and he helped train pilots for the Army/Air Corp. He died four years ago. We will be hosting the family/friends picnic on Monday. We will also be watching the Memorial Day Parade. We only have to walk to the end of our street to see it.
I’m sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man. I love hearing these stories around Memorial Day. My mind is full of all these awesome people, like your dad and Julia London’s grandfather. True heroes.