Sunday, May 30, 2010

Parade Memories


'Parade Memories'
I painted 'Parade Memories' several years ago, after going to a Memorial Day Parade in Hobbs, NM. When Ken was in the Navy, he was in the Admiral's Seabee Band. He played a tuba. He was in the band from 1967-1970 . He was stationed in Port Hueneme, CA.
We were so thankful that he got in the band, and didn't have to go to Viet Nam with his battalion. They told him he could be in the band after his clothes were shipped over. It was a blessing from God that he didn't have to go. He went to all the flights leaving and coming home from Viet Nam. He would let me go with him when they came home, but he wouldn't let me go and watch them leave. It was always so hard for him to see them leave. I remember going to Point Magu one night for a flight coming home, and there was no family members there to greet them as they got off the plane. Only the band playing stars and stripes, etc. When they left they played Anchors Away, and still every time I hear that song I cry! I appreciate so much all the veterans and their families.
I can not even imagine losing a loved one in a war. It has to be so devastating, and there are so many that have. We are so blessed to live in a free America, thanks to those who have served, and for those serving now, no matter where they are!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is so hard for me to imagine what that was like. I would have been a very little girl back then. Being British our attitudes towards such events are rather different. But for you I can see how moving it is. So hard to say good bye to your loved one. A line of a song I sung one Rememberance Sunday sticks in my mind, 'Oh Lord its hard to comprehend, Why I survived but not my friend.'

I love your picture of the flag and windmill in 'Stars n Stripes' style. You must be very talented.

Hilary

Anonymous said...

I think your colors are so pretty in this flag. Rich looking.

Naomi

At the Fair

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