In honor of Veterans Day, I thought I would share a few family stories. My great-grandmother on my dad’s side used to run a retirement home for veterans in Urbana. I believe there is now University of Illinois housing, or campus apartments in this area.
She had an old-fashioned cow bell to ring when it was dinner time. I’ve heard from my family members that when they were kids, they loved to ring the cow bell for fun. Turns out, she didn’t think it was as funny as they did because all of the veterans, who were living in the home. They thought it was time to eat when they heard the bell, and it caused a bit of a stir. I can only imagine. Good fun to kids, not as funny to someone who was providing direct support.
Veteran’s in the Family
Her daughter, my grandma, married a solider who was stationed at Chanute. He went on to be a SMSgt, and pilot in the Air Force and an Instructor at the base. Three of her uncles also received medals for their service in WW1, as did one of my mom’s uncles. My grandma’s brothers also served overseas, and my dad also served in the Army National Guard.
I enjoy looking through all of the old photos. It is hard not to notice how young these guys were when they were serving, at war, or overseas. Veterans are deserving of our gratitude. They sacrificed a great deal to serve our country, and for our freedom.
Thank you, Veterans for your service to our nation! We are proud to honor you.
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