Two blog Mondays are predictable with me - Memorial Day and Veterans Day - because I feel that credit and respect should be given to women and men in uniform, at the very least, on these days.  Many people say to veterans "Thank you for your service", "thanks to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice" but in this day and age it can ring hollow.  Such a small percentage of the population in America have been in the past or are now involved in the military that there is a lack of understanding of what it is to be part of that "family".  Thus, I try to honor those in my blog and support efforts to assist them. Today is Veterans Day, also known as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, marking the end of World War I, on the 11th day, in the 11th hour, and during the 11th month when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.

Fred's grandfather served in France during World War 1.  He is shown here in his uniform and campaign hat.

Decorations worn on uniforms tell a story of where the person wearing them had served and in what conflict and unit.  Each pin, medal, and stripe on any uniform has meaning.

military medals
 

The most ubiquitous symbol of the day is the Remembrance Poppy.  While growing up in Albuquerque, I remember older men (probably younger than I am now) coming to the front door selling paper poppies.  My mother would always give them money for the cause.  It was much later that I began to understand the importance of what these men were doing.

poppies

My humble thanks to David O., Dave K., Earle, Fred, M Fred, Steve I., Anita, Debra, Larry L., Ben, Ann, Jim W., Harold, Joel, Dalice, Charles, Sam, Al, Robert S., Doug, Jim H., Terry, Gene R., JJ, John C., Randy S., Tom, Wayne, Orlando, Clyde, as well as to Carol who served vets throughout her career as a Veterans Administration nurse.  I give my gratitude here as well to those whose names I may have forgotten and to all who served or are serving.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@