Today is Veterans’ Day in the United States. This day is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces. It’s the first Veterans Day that I’m without my father, a proud World War II veteran who, like so many others, gave four years of his life during the 1940s to preserve our freedom.
The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery
Today there will be a ceremonial wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries inside the Memorial Amphitheater. Communities across the country will have their own observances. If you know a veteran, this would be the day to say thank you.
Quilters have always made quilts with patriotic themes.
Eagles are ever present.
Stars are possibly the most repeated quilt motif ever.
A red, white and blue color scheme can hardly ever miss.
Maria Tavy Umhey created USA, above, for Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks Volume 4. I can see this as the starting point for a patriotic sampler quilt.
Kansas City Star just released Victory Girls: Patriotic Quilts and Rugs of WW II by Polly Minick and Laurie Simpson.
Victory Girls Quilt
The book honors the role of women in the war effort and features numerous quilt and rug projects to inspire lovers of history and Americana.
Crossed Flags Rug
I’d own this title just for the glimpse into women’s lives of that era, but the hooked rugs are gorgeous. And the quilts feature a nice variety of techniques: hand embroidery, wool applique, piecing and applique. Photos of WW II items are a bonus.
Let’s give away a copy of Victory Girls and a copy of 100 Blocks Volume 4 (featuring the USA block). Please leave a comment by midnight Sunday, Nov. 13 with the initials of a veteran whose service you appreciate. We’ll randomly draw a winner on Monday and announce it here.
* * * * *
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain;
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea.
GAB, my dad, a WWII vet
LMS – My dad, a WWII Vet, & MEF – My husband, a VietNam Vet
PY..Love you, thank you!
The veteran whose service I appreciate is my cousin’s daughter Staff Sargent KES. Thanks K.
I have several relatives and friends and coworkers who are veterans!! I couldn’t possibly think of them all and I don’t want to leave a single one out!! I love them ALL, including the ones I don’t even know personally! They loved me enough to serve, without knowing me personally!!
BK! Benjamin King, vet of two wars! (my father) Thanks for the giveaway
Thank you so much for remembering our Veterans. It is special to me as My father, husbund and son are veterans. Thank you Thank you Thankyou!
AMcN (my uncle)
i have a few in my family and the rest of our soldiers to thank,but the most importend one to me is my husband elm.hooha its an army thing.
JTS & JES – my dad and brother.
BY my father
My father, Robert C. Olsen, who I lost also 2 years ago, a WWII veteran. I miss him everyday, and my uncle, Clem Sutton, also a WWII vet, who spent time as a POW. So to RCO, CS, and all who have served our great country during war and peace time, I send out a great big Thank you for all that you have given.
JTF III (my grandfather)
I have a niece and “nephew-in-law” both in the army, and a nephew
who was serving with the Canadian army in Afghanistan was killed by an IED in 2008. I’m grateful for the sacrificial service of ALL, both past, present and future. Thank you for my freedoms. I do not take them for granted.
RAR, FAR, JLF, LAR all family members who served.
MGP, OA…my grandfathers, boy do I miss them both!
In loving memory of my father, WJC, a WWII vet, I miss him every day!
My husband, ST, is a Vietnam Vet as is my brother SMC.
My Father-in-law, RT, is a WWII vet.
Wow, LJH my brother was in the Navy, LLL, my hubby was in the Air Force, and TDL our son is serving in the Army! Thanks for recognizing their service and that of all our veterans.
AEP, my dad, MEP, my brother, EP, my brother-in-law, JO, JP, AO, TO, all uncles, JL, a young man who gave his life in Viet Nam. Thank you for this beautiful post.
My Daddy, FSD, a WWII and Korean War Veteran. God Bless America…we sure need it. Kd
JFV & SMV
My husband and brother in law.
PRG — A Chief Petty Officer in the Uhited States Navy for 27 Years and in addition he was called to serve in defense of our Nation during WWII, Vietnam and Korea. As his daughter joined the United States Army, I was only called twice during the early 90s and Desert Storm followed by service in 2003 with Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
Thank you for all of your give aways. I am proud that I found your site.
God Bless You and Peace in the Middle East.
Lisa M. Garrett
U.S. Armu
1st Infantry Division, Balad Iraq
Love those quilts and I am proud to be an American. I am proud of all those who have served.
My dad who passed many years ago. JDS
And my FIL who is still with us. GP
My dad… A.C. Thank you.
IWS, my uncle and JCL my son who is currently serving
)
WFJ my father the most wonderful man in the world… love you daddy…
HWS, my 101 year old dad and WWII veteran. Have you ever read The American Girl story about Molly? How well I remember all that. Thank you to all veterans and their families.
To my husband, SAK, US Army; my late father-in-law ALK, US Marines; and my uncle, WAS, US Army. Thanks to you, and to all who serve.
RLB, RSH, CDH, JH, GOH, RWS, RG, JS, JA, JF, LB- husband, father, grandfather, cousins and dear friends. I’m so proud of their service to my wonderful country!
WMR – my father-in-law!
My Uncle GDC, Thanks for giving.
GHF, my great-grandpa, Civil War, TGF, my Grandpa, WWI, VVS, my Dad, WWII, and several uncles, among them, EEW, RS, KFB. And, of course, my husband, KEB, the unpopular Vietnam War.
The quilts you’ve shown here are wonderful. Surely a fitting tribute in memory of those who served…of for which we are all grateful. I recall my grandfather, WST, serving his country well.
CGH my Grandfather..served in France WWI. He had huge lumps (osteo) on all his joints and my Grandmother told us it was because of the trenches… I used to dip my hands into his wax bath (he had regular physio) and enjoy pulling the warm glove off my hands, it must have been soothing for the pain. Yet it’s only as I got older myself that I began to understand how much these men suffered, either dying on the field or inflicted damage taking it’s toll as they aged. Not to mention the atrocities that were inflicted on those that had the misfortune to be incarcerated and unfortunately were often badly mistreated even tortured. I have heard stories from wives who had to manage and endure greatly sufferings themselves. These women are the unsung heros as they worked and watched and waited for the return of their menfolk, many having to manage households with little money and rear children who might never see their father’s safe return an if they did return may have had to bear with his moods and angry outbursts. The characteristics of penny pinching and careful reuse of every commodity stayed with my Grandmother and I admit I laughed behind her back for as a child I couldn’t possibly understand why frugality was so important to her..she recyled and wore vintage long before it was fashionable, to her it was survival.
Can’t be just one- My Dad AND my brother – JER and RJR . And a very big THANK YOU to all of our veterans. Victory Girls looks fantastic. Thanks for the chance to win all of these wonderful gifts!
My dad and I share the title “veteran.” He served in WWII
PEL, my dad. 23 years in the Air Force.
My dad, brother and uncles and friends are veterans! Thank you for honoring them all today and always! They deserve it and more!!
There are so many vets in my family but my dad, HHR, is my biggest hero. He served in WWII and the Korean War. My uncles, brother in law and sister in law are also veterans. My daughter, KPH, is currently serving in Afghanistan. I am so proud of all our veterans and proud of America. God bless our soldiers and airmen. Since my daughter just left for the mid east, I’m working on my blue star banner. It should be finished very soon.
My Dad & uncles, WWII & Korea; my dear hubby John, Vietnam; stepson Brad, 1st Gulf War and all other family & friend veterans: thank you!
With warmest thanks to all the vets, old and young, especially those who have kept the horror stories close to their hearts, not wanting to burden any loved ones, for many, many years. For them, it’s never really been over. I salute you, as a mom whose son has just returned from Iraq.
Gosh, I have lots: GJ, DJ, DJ, DJ (my dad and 3 brothers, all Navy men), DG & SG (sister and brother-in-law),GH, RB, BS, and the list goes on. Thanks for remembering our veterans! And for the giveaway. Good luck everyone!!
My Husband’s Father GYC, My father AMB and my Son JGC. I also have nephews serving TB, SR and RF Thanks to all those who sacrifice for our Freedom.
My father- CB, and father-in-law RG. Both veterans of WWII.
KGA, DW, LW, AR, EW
My dad was in the Navy during WW2, brother Air Force, Sister, Navy! Love my veterans and their fight for our freedom.
A.L. my husband (of 39yrs) a Veitnam Vet.
Thank you for the chance to win.
So many — too many to list– deserve SO much love, respect and appreciation for the sacrifice they’ve made for all of us…. But one in particular, JL, is near and dear to my heart! Thank you!
May grandfather DM, WWI served and was wounded in France. Thank you grandpa and thank you to all veterans past and present for protecting the freedoms we hold dear!
My husband–22 yrs in the Air Force! And he still fits into his uniform! (I’m kind of jealous about that….but on the other hand, mmmm! He looks good! lol)
RAB, my father-in-law, a WWII veteran
My uncle a WW2 veteran – JC
Special thanx to my son’s best friend, DC !! Also my uncle bill (Korean war).. RIP Nicholas Xiaros
My veteran I’m proud to say is my husband, EJD. He is a Vietnam Veteran and spent 20 years as a pilot in the Air Force.
My father in law (GP) served during WWII. He has never talked about his time in the military, but I am so grateful for his service to our country.
My husband was Air Force along with my brother, Father-in-law and grandfather, Uncles in the Navy, Army and A.F. Son in the Army who served in Afghanistan EDF. Many friends serving now, and several who have given their all. May God bless them all.
I work in a nursing home, and have met and cared for so many wonderful people who have served. They have told lots of good and sad stories, but all needs told. They lived through some tough times terrible events, war leaves behind memories for a lifetime.
JFS and JCK – my dad and my father-in-law (Navy and career Army, respectively) – miss them both!
JWG, my dad a WWII vet, an Air Force pilot
My husband is a Veitnam vet.
This post is in honor of my father RLC, my husband RWM, Jr., and my son RWM III.
AM – my cousin.
My Father-in-law, CJ (no middle name!)
ABT, my Dad in WWII. Today will be a day of honoring him and other surviving veterans at Alden Gardens of Waterford, where he lives.
WW – my uncle, Thank you
PMj, KRD, JRD, CCD
My father, Pet Moates Jr. served with Gen Patton, after the war he transferred into Army Air Corps after the war, which became the United States Air Force. Retired 20 years of service. Liberated Nazi Death Camps.
My father-in-law, Kenneth R. Daugherty, served in the Navy during WWII, and transferrd to the United States Air Force. Retired after unknown lenght in service.
My husband, John R Daugherty. Served 24 years in United States Air Force, beginning during later years of Vietnam War. Recieved the Bronze Star for accomplishments during Operations Desert Shield/Storm.
And finally me, Cynthia C Daugherty. Served 18 years in United States Air Force. Medically retired due to exposure to chemicals in Operations Desert Shield/Storm.
JRM- My Uncle John, WWII and still with us! My dad also served, but his older brother Uncle John served war time, as a gunner on an airplane. He is the most gentle man I know, and it had to be hard.
I have many family members that have and are still serving proudly. TMF is my Niece that is in the Air Force. Thanks to all the Veterans for your service !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RJM – my granpa who was a WWII vet and passed away almost 20 years ago.
MLM – my brother who is a very new vet just ending his service in the Army.
God Bless all the Veterans!
BEM, my dad who proudly served 22 years in the US Navy. This is my third Veteran’s day without him.
Am very proud of my grandfather, J. J. S.’s service in the Navy!
Thank you to all Veterans..especially JPF, my hubby & NF, my late father-in-law!
I’m very sorry for the loss of your father. This must be a hard day for you I’m sure.
I’d seen the Victory Girls before already and loved it. I would be thrilled to own that.
CT my amazing husband and WWB, my grandfather who is no longer with us.
My Uncles: RM, AW, NP
My brother: CWP
Nephew and his daughter: JCM, KMG and her husband KG
Nephew: TR, LR
My Cousins: DBM, BM, JDM, JM, RM, AP
Son-In-Law: CB
Thanks to all the men & women who have and are serving. My Dad, My Husband and so many others that I love I can’t say Thank You enough for all that you do. We must never forget to say Thanks.
WJF – -bless his heart!
WWD a cousin’s grandson, who is a Marine currently serving in Afghanistan.
WFY – Vietnam Air Force vet and the love of my life. Thank you!
Please remember to also thank all the families that are “serving” along with their men & women in uniform. We also give as much to have them gone such long periods of time and take on alot more here at home while they are gone. Our family served for 16 years before my husband retired from his naval career–DIG.
My husband has 20 years in the Air Force. We are in DE. My father and uncles were all in at the same time each in a different branch during Vietnam. I have many other cousins and Grandparents that have served. I am thankful to each and everyone of them.
Thanks, to all veterans, including my two brothers. Quilters, say thanks by making a QOV.
My dad MFK Army WWII and my uncle VJK Navy WWII.
Many thanks to those who have served and are still serving!
My dad and my uncle both served in WWII, and my brother served in VietNam.
THANK YOU to all who serve!
JM – be safe young man!
My father-in-law is a Veteran. He was in the Korean War. My husband was in the Army Reserves. Our 5 oldest children have been/still are military. We currently have 3 sons that are active in the Army. Our youngest is 11 and says she’s going into the military also. My husband and I are very proud of our children! Thank you to ALL of our Veterans and currently active Soldiers! Most of all thank you to all of our guys that have given their lives for us all!
Thank you to all those who have served, who are serving, and will be serving our Great Country, so that others may live in freedom – in memory of my dad, JLS -
CDC, grandfather – DEW, father – DRW, adoption father – RDB, step father – RJC, hubby – RC, brother-in-law, JRA, nephew – SAA, niece-in-law. We are all proud and grateful of all our family members who have served.
EPC – my brother
Linda in Southern Illinois
HLW. WWII.
A big thank you to all the vets who may read this and to JPG – my husband, and JLH, my father.
My uncle JFG killed Korea, My Father in law HJT, my son-in-law BGC active Airforce
To those who sacrificed: HSP, JEC, CFA, JMP, LJK, and GMJ!
Thank you for the gift of freedom!
One of my favorite patriotic quilts is Burgoyne Surrounded, inspired by events of the Battles of Saratoga during our Revolution.
My hero:
BRC – My da, a Vietnam Marine, and last in a line of servicemen from his family.
My dad served in the navy in WWII, uncle in the coast guard in WWII and husband in the marines during Vietnam. God Bless the military men and women.
HJB, a dear friend, who was privileged in September to be included in an Honor Flight toback to Washington DC to visit the WWII and other service memorials.
My dad who is gone now, but served during WWII, his initials are W.H.T.
I love making patriotic quilts.
Debbie
Uncle RJV.
Thank you for honoring our veterans!
JDA
DCS
WAL
PAT
RES
ERS
Thanks for the tribute to Veterans. My favorite WWII vet was my Dad, RW.
Veteran’s Day is a day to be grateful for those who gave their lives, but also to all the men and women who served and came home to face hero-worship or in some cases, to be treated like dogs. I honor this day because of all the men who served in Vietnam, including FRC.
My BIL G. J., Navy Vet, thank you.
We should honor veterans today and every day for their service to our country. I honor JHS, my grandfather who fought in North Africa and Italy during WWII.
My father – MJB
I’m thinking of HGW my father-in-law who served in WWII, My father EHP who served in Korea and my daughter Sgt. KJW currently serving with the USAEUR band in Germany.
GHS, my father, a WWII SeaBee Vet and CLA, my husband a Korean War Army Vet.
My dad, RDM, who served during the Korean war, and my roommate, AGM, who served during the first Gulf War.
RWB my father, JJT my father-in-law, both in WWII, and RAT my husband who served in the US Navy. Thank you to all veterans and current service personnel.
HL, my grandfather, DEL, my dad, KCL and CKL my brothers, ML my nephew who is currently in service.
My veteran is my husband, TRW, who just happened to be the one who guided the plane in to the docking when the first POWs came home from Vietnam. He has served in 3 branches of the military honorably. I make quilts to send to the wounded warriors in Iraq and now Afghanistan that arent able to come home immediately.
My Husband and I met while serving in the air force.
My dad — RHM.
Thanks to my dad (not living) who serverd in WWII and Korea, and my father-in-law who serverd with the Flying Tigers in China during WWII. Also 4 uncles in WWII.
Thanks to my dad, brother and all who has served and are presently serving for our freedom.
HB, my uncle- Korea
RP, my father- in-law
DS, my uncle-Vietnam
DZ, my brother
JE, my brother-in-law-Desert Storm
RR, a dear friend’s son-soon to return to Afghanistan
A huge “Thank you” to all of them, and to those I don’t know.
HCC my dad, a veteran from WWII
KFA my wonderful husband, Army Veteran
Thanks to all those who sacrificed for our country.
God Bless America!
HHG- my dad who served in WWII and died on the 53rd anniversary of Pearl harbor day.
KS, I met him while I was in the US
My my Grandfather DKT, Dad WHD, and my brother JDKD. Three generations who all proudly served their country.
JRP, my dad, who was very proud of his service in World War II, GGT, my father-in-law who served in Korea, and RSL III, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
I have to say my nephew, RBD, who has been deployed twice and will be going back in February.
JWB, my husband, 100% disabled from military service (Army), many years before the wars began. RB, my brother-in-law, who died from complications to exposure to Agent Orange. MSJ, my brother, who served on nuclear submarines. Most of my uncles have served as well.
CMW and so many more. Thanks for such an nice tribute.
wwajr
DP, TP, GS, RM
God bless America!
I would like to thank my Dad,GLM, who served in the Korean War; my 3 brothers in law, all with the same initials JAS, who served in the Vietnam War; my son in law, DJ who served in Iraqian war; and my grandson AS, who is now serving as a medic in the Afganistan War. (He is a future vet.) Thank God for all our brave men and women who have (and are serving) served to help protect not only our nation but other nations, too.
MK, my grandfather was a mechanic with a medic team in WWII and AK, my cousin, just returned from a second tour in Afghanistan. My uncle, KW, has also served in peacekeeping missions, including one in Cyprus. All have served with the Canadian Forces
OHM, my dad, VFW, france, 1917
GJM, my bro, AkNG 56-61
JLC, my son, USAF ret 22 yrs
DHG, my son, Army ’85-89, USCG 89-92
MA, my son-in-law, USAF ret 23 years, FlAG 5 years
WDC, grandson, Army, serving
JS, grneph, Marine, serving
BG, grnephew, Marine, serving
lord, love ‘em all!
thanx for the tribute!
RS, My cousin. Vietnam. I truly miss him.
MBM and EEH. Thank you.
There are so many initials I could put down…FEM, my husband, RRB, LW, LLE – the list goes on. The top of the list goes to my father, IAE, who served in WWII and didn’t see me until I was 14 months old because I was born in the war years.
In Canada we call it Rememberance Day. RP – my great-uncle, WWI
GLM.. brother. Thanks for letting me enter
JR Brother in law
BS Cousin
Both are back but served for us because of 9-11. Thank you all service men and women for all your dedication. I cannot begin to tell you my appreciation for all you have done and given up for us.
- Proud to be an American.
Just had some initials to the list:
DDM, WDM, DBM, RFL, KK, RR, SB, MV, HV
My Dear Dad, NLT, Korean War. My DFIL, JNL, Korean War. My DH, JML, Desert Storm/Shield, Iraq x 2. I could go on and add more uncles, grandparents etc. I am thankful for all our courageous service men and women.
H. O’B., my mom’s cousin, who died on Omaha beach.
My dad, GEY, an Air Force Staff Sargeant working medical evacuation flights during the Korean Conflict.
CKO – WWII vet and my Dad.
My veteran hero is my husband Noel who is a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force with 16 years of service. I myself am a veteran of the U.S. Air Force also. Our grandpa Tony is a World War II vet. NRB, ALB, AL.
Thank you to all!
My dad WML
My nephew JMB
Thank you.
VJT – my dad, a Korean War vet.
FG, Sr. my maternal grandfather, Spanish American War and WWI
and there are many other family members FG, Jr. WR, AG, NCW, KR, DGM, JP, QP, EGD, MB, OB, RB …
JK, Omaha Beach… D-Day +1. WWII. Thanks Dad!!!
We have Remembrance Day in Australia and have a minutes silence at 11.00am on the 11th day of the 11th month. I would like to thank all the ANZACs.
Uncle, GGV served starting in Army Air Corp serving in Korea and on until retirement, husband, EHS in Army, WET-killed in Korea, several other cousins, and several current members of Armed Forces. Thank each for unselfish dedication for our country.
4 Vets: My dad, WHS; my father-in-law FE; my husband FEIII; my son WFE. Thanks to all of them for helping keep the freedoms we enjoy!
My husband, RLJ,Jr. and father in law, RLJ. Thank you for your services. Also all soldiers I see at my work—you guys are so special for me.
My son and daughter – THG and KJG
M.A.D. — my dad who served in the Army for the length of WWII.
MPE, my husband since 1962 (died April 2011) Army, ASA; interred Tahoma National
Cemetary
VEE, father-in-law; WWII vet
Thanks guys!
BT. Thanks!
GRB my father in law – WWII ! thanks!
My husband, JES, served 22 yrs in the military. I have a son who was in the National Guards, JES; and another son who is in the army right now, JRS. I appreciate all of them so much for serving our country.
EJB my grandfather – the Korean War. thank you
My immediate family: WEA, RWA and all my cousins!
JOP- my husband
JAS- my father
JOP- my father-in law
BHR-my grandfather
Thank you all
H.B. my paternal grandfather; a WWII vet who’s since gone and joined many of the other WWII vets.
We have many veterans in my family and I’m so proud of all of them. My father, grandfather, husband, stepson, son, all of them served in either the army or the airforce.
LFB, vietnam war. Thanks for protecting our freedom.
ww
So grateful for all of our service men and women. We are especially proud of our son-in-law PA.
Grateful to all who serve or have served. Especially EFR who gave me my life and LWR who raised me. One served in European theater WWII and the other in Pacific theater.
My son, GB, is a current service member; and I’m very proud of him!
I have a whole family of veterns
My father AJW my father in law GWG
My brothers JSW SPW
My brothers in law MJG TDG
My daughter KMG and her husband SS
my granddaughter LLM
WDS My uncle who is still MIA from WWII.
My Dad–AGP is the first one to come to mind. There are other family members and many friends who have also served. Thank you for your service!
God bless those who serve.
I’m a veteran
My dad was a veteran
My brother still serves
DE
Thanks for your tribute to veterans!
LR – My favorite cousin who died way too soon.
My father, CMN. I’m so proud of you for your service, and I’m very proud to be a military brat!
I would truly love the Victory Girls book and the magazine. The quilts by Simpson and Minnick are fantastic.
I love thoses colors of fabric today the RJR, and the closeline is adorable, and would love to win anyof it….specially 100 block book……Thanks for this hop have loved it…I have spent approx 10 hours total on it….a couple of hours each day or night…..thanks
I messed up #171 is suppose to be on day 5,,,,,I tried to delete but couldn’t…. this is my responce to day 4 my Father was a WWII vet. serving in the Navy as a cook.
BLD – my dad.
J.J.W. My grandfather WW1. Remembered for always having Humbug candies in his pocket to make his grandchildren smile.
D.O. A friend’s son died too soon.
HH my Dad who served in WWII.
JMH~VietNam Vet love you dad!
TLM, my husband. We met while we were both serving in the Navy.
My father was in the Bataan Death March and a POW for 3 1/2 years. My older brother was in the Vietnam war.
HAW, my father. He served during the Korean War.
NEW, my father, who served in the Navy in WWII
With great pride: my father WEA and brother RWA and too many cousins!
CKL, my son whom is currently serving in the Army. I am so proud to be him Momma!
JK, my dad (and MK…can’t leave out my uncle either!)
CJB-My son who was killed in Afghanistan in 2008. He was my hero for having what it takes to put his life on the line for me and all of us proud Americans who are free to choose our endeavors and work toward success!!
Being a vet myself, I have many, many friends that I appreciate that I served with. While serving with them, they were my family and I learned something from each and everyone of them. Many I have lost touch with over the years and I am sure there are still some still serving. I hope and pray they are safe and thank them all for their service.
R.M. – my father-in-law who is a wonderful man and proud veteran.
SLB- My big brother who did two tours of duty in the Air Force as an inflight medic
JWP – my dad, a Bronze Star WWll veteran and a wonderful person!
FAH, dad…
KK – my son-in-law Navy medic.
My son JMT; a brother-in-law RWJ; my granddad WRH; uncles WRH, RDH, PRH, JPH, JFH; cousins RDH, PHJ, WRH. There are others, children of my cousins and cousins of my parents. I’m proud of them all!
Your post made me think of my dad, JKT, a veteran of WWII and Korea.
There’s a very tender song you might like to listen to–with a hankie nearby. It’s by Steve Goodman, and is called “My Old Man”. Brings reminders of how great those men were, and how humbly they viewed their contributions.