Memorial Day Memory
One of the perks of being a firefighter? Being able to take Little Dude on his first fire truck ride in the local Memorial Day parade. (And since my Father is a firefighter, too, Little Dude’s first fire truck ride was with Grandpa and Mommy – he had a lot of fun waving to his adoring fans, including his Daddy, Grandma and Aunt J.)
To earn this honor, Little Dude had to help us ready all of the trucks for the parade, though. I’m hoping we don’t get in trouble for breaking child labor laws. (We won’t mention the fact that my child has to do laundry and vacuum, too, right?
I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day, and that you took a moment to remember – not only those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country, but those that have served, or still serve today.
As always, I think of my G’pa, who served in the Navy, in WWII. He passed away about a year before Little Dude entered this world, and I miss him still. In the past, Memorial Day festivities would have been attended with him – he would have been especially proud to have Little Dude a part of the parade. I also think of my other Grandfather, my Dad’s Father, who also passed away prior to Little Dude’s birth (he would have adored him, as well), and served proudly in the Air Force.
Thank you to all who serve, or who have served, as well as the families who have stayed behind.
So cute!! Can’t be breaking child labor laws if they’re having fun can we??
I’ll join your “thank you.” Back in Israel, Memorial Day is a very solemn and serious day. The entire state is in mourning. After ten years here, it still surprises me that not everyone takes the time to remember. Don’t get me wrong – I love the long weekend and am definitely enjoying it – we had friends over for a barbecue yesterday – but it’s so important to remember what this day is all about.
How did I not know you are a firefighter???? And cool that your dad is one too! My dad is a retired firechief, and my brother is a firefighter. I’ll bet Little Dude had a blast!
reformattingmybrain – I think it still breaks the law, just that they don’t realize it, so it isn’t reported.
Vered – It helps that my G’pa was a veteran, and that we went to all of the festivities with him. We knew the reason for the parade and the speeches. Even if we don’t spend the the entire day in a serious and solemn fashion, I think it is important that we all remember and think about those who have died in service to their country. Raise a glass, offer a prayer or just give silent thanks for all they have done.
kweenmama – Firefighting isn’t my first career, and I avoid talking about it on the blog, for the most part. I’ve been doing it for more than ten years now, and am volunteer/paid on call.
What a great day!
Sounds like you had a great family weekend. And Little Dude looks like he had a lot of fun!
Great pics! Love the new header too.
Memorial Day… Makes me miss G’pa and Grandpa too.
Looks like you both had a great time.
Although Monday was a holiday for us too, it is not Memorial Day. For us it is just “Spring Bank Holiday”.
I don’t think we have the equivalent over here, unless you count remembrance Sunday (Poppy Day 11/11) but that is a far more sombre affair.
So cute! Bet he had fun in the parade!!!!
what a wonderful day for a young man!
storm
p.s. if i help clean the trucks, can i ride the firetruck next year in the parade?
(figured it is worth asking)
LOL
Thanks for the comment ..
Love the pictures. great!
At my house – I had way to many kids come over and way to much food was eaten – but they had fun..
ooooh, LOVE the shot of you and Little Dude! Sounds like you had a fabulous day.
inthefastlane – It truly was!
debra – He did and he’s still talking about “riding in the firetruck with mommy and grandpa.”
mrsvierkant – G’pa would have been tickled to have him as part of the parade, and would have expected to have him near him during the ceremony afterward. Thanks on the header – my long weekend project.
Mr. Geek – Sounds similar to what Vered mentioned. I think the somber feeling depends on who is doing the remembering. For me, I have friends and family who have served and some that are still serving. I hope those who are currently serving make it back safely.
Julie – He waved to the world, rather happily!
storm – You bet!
Parenting Dad – Thanks for visiting! You had a busy weekend, too.
Bee – Thank you! It was a good day!