Monday, Memorial Day, so many memories of growing up.. We would all go to the local parade and occasionally we would be in the parade (our scout troop, baton twirling, riding a fire truck). We would visit the cemetery, have hot dogs (who knew how bad they were for us), go to the lake and try to swim in freezing water.. Naive about the world for sure. Now we all know too much or maybe still not enough. May adopted dad never talked to us about wwII.. until he was old and gray.. As children did we know about him being on a sinking ship in the South Pacific.. Throwing buddies off into the sea of darkness lite up by incoming terror. No he carried that in his heart with him.. Going to work everyday, support his family and wanting only the best for all of his children..protecting his wife always. He was thrilled when I went in the Air Force as a nurse.. My mom worried as always.. So today Dad I salute you.. your bravery, your courage and your dedication to family and country... And I have no scanned pictures of you.. Maybe better to remain a memory..