Veteran’s Day ~ November 11, 2018

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Across our land today Veterans are being honored on this solemn day for their service to our country.  Carmel is no different.  A crowd  gathered on Ocean Avenue this morning to listen to a tribute to our local service men and woman.

Most of us have had family who have served in the military – or perhaps were in the military themselves.  It is on this day we remember all men and women who have served their country.

One by one the names of local veterans were called out and recognized for their service and the contributions they made after their military service.

On a personal note both my father and two uncles fought in World War ll.  My father was stationed in Washington D.C. as a naval officer,  but my uncles both had more “exciting” tours.  My mother’s brother, George, “toured” Europe and Africa in a tank.  Boy, did he have some stories.  He served when he was 18 years old and never forgot a story.  He was still telling them when he passed away at the ripe old age of 95 on his farm in Nebraska where he lived his whole life.  He stayed friends with his “tank mate” who lived in Florida until he passed away at 93.

My father’s brother, Jack, was an engineer and “toured” the Pacific in the Navy.  He, also, was full of “war stories”.  My husband is a retired civilian lawyer who worked for the Navy in the Office of the Counsel and loved listening to my Uncle Jack’s stories. Jack spent  his service in the “Pacific Theater” and ended up marrying a New Zealander.  I still have three cousins who live in New Zealand who are all around my age.

All veterans have had their lives influenced by their military experience.  The lucky ones are the ones who came home.  On this day we honor all Veterans living and dead who served our country and those that still serve today.