Memorial Day

In the U.S. today, we celebrate Memorial Day, a day to remember those soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Asked to go into battle, they did knowing they may not return to their home, their friends, and their family. Today, we remember those who never returned.

This holiday began in the years following the Civil War with many civilians decorating the graves of soldiers who died in battle. It became known as Decoration Day. Shortly after World War I, the holiday came to remember soldiers of all wars who never made it home.

On this day, whether your American or not, take a moment to remember those who fought for your country and never made it home to those who loved them. It is a small, but important action to never forget how lucky we all are.

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Veteran's Day

Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

In the United States, today is Veteran's Day. It is based on the WWI Armistice, the "temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany [which] went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” Today, we honor those who served in the U.S. military, past and present.

I honor those in my family who have served and are serving:

My father - Edward Riley Davis

Korean War (Army)

Coast Guard

Passed away on this day in 1988

My grandfather - John J. Tull

WWII (Airforce)

My uncle Denny
Airforce

My cousin Matt

Afghanistan (Airforce)

My cousin Mike

Airforce

Thank you to all those who serve and all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. You are truly heroes.

Veteran's Day

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice between Allied forces and Germany put an end to the fighting of what was then referred to as the Great War. President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11, of the following year, Armistice Day. In 1938, an act of Congress made the day a legal holiday, and by 1954, that act was amended to create Veterans Day, to honor American veterans of all wars. ~ Smithsonian Magazine

I have great respect for those who serve in our military.  To those who have served, to those who currently serve, and to those who will serve, thank you for your courage and your sacrifice.  

My family has a tradition of serving in the military.  My grandfather fought in World War II in the Air Force, my Uncle Denny served in the Air Force, my cousin Matt (my Uncle Denny's son) currently serves in the Air Force, and my cousin Mike currently serves in the Army.  Recognizing and appreciating service personnel is just a part of my family.

My grandfather fought in World War II in Great Britain.  He was stationed north of London near a smallish town called Northampton.  He met  my Grandmother there and fell in love.  She converted to Catholicism and married in England.  This photo is of my Grandparents on their wedding day, December 4, 1944, with my Grandfather in his military uniform.

They were married for just over 60 years before my Grandfather passed away in 2007.  They stayed a beautiful couple over all those years.

The other important person in my life who served in the military was my father.  He served in the Army during the Korean conflict, then joined the Coast Guard.  Veteran's Day also marks the day my father passed away, 23 years ago.  He suffered from multiple health issues and on Friday, November 11, 1988 he lost the fight.  So, today I remember my father not only as a veteran, but as the world's best dad (even if he didn't think so!).

I love you Dad!  Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Edward Riley Davis 

1934-1988