Happy Veteran's Day!

Troy and Patrick 1995

Thinking of all of you today, who serve(d) our country...past and present. Thank you for your service. I am humbled by those that have served before us and the sacrifices that they made. I think of our grandfathers (All 4 of them! We love you Grandpa Stuart, Grandpa Hamilton, Grandpa Parks and Grandpa Cramer!) that served in WWII...

Grandpa Parks...is he salty, or what?

Grandma Parks and Grandpa Parks holding my dad

My great uncle (Jim Parks) who made the ultimate sacrifice in that war as his ship (the USS Langley) was sunk. As a parent or sibling, I can only imagine how that would scar you. What a sacrifice they gave, too.

I think about his father (Great Grandpa Parks) before him serving in WWI as a pioneer in Naval Aviation...and it goes on and on...even back to the Revolutionary war in the Parks' family.

Grandpa Parks, Great-Grandpa Parks, Great-Grandma Parks and Uncle Jim Parks

But I am especially thinking today of my Dad...who served his country in Viet Nam as a "bird dog" pilot. I am very proud of his service. He doesn't talk about it much, so whenever he shares anything, I'm hanging on every word. He saw and was part of some pretty amazing things, although he would tell you his experience wasn't all that tough. I think about myself at 19...although I was in the military by that age, I was still a young, silly girl! I just can't imagine serving in a foreign country at such a young age, let alone facing combat. Veteran's Day is always a time of reverence and reflection for him, and I know he is marking the day in some special way.

When I was little, I thought serving in the military was something that all dads did...I didn't realize how special mine was. Happy Veteran's Day, Dad...I love you!

Dad 1966

Dad 1965

Dad and Mom 1965

But of course, as much as I love Dad, this is my favorite Vet...isn't he adorable? I sure love him. Which reminds me...a great big Happy Birthday Marines (yesterday) to all of our Marine friends. Semper Fi...we love you guys!

Cliff and Carrie Marine Corps Ball 1996