I am not nearly as eloquent as most of my friends who have already posted or recommended wonderful posts about their own personal Veterans, friends and family. So, my Veterans Day post will be a little different. I do not want to trivialize what this day means to anyone; my own father was a Veteran of WWII, my brother and brother-in-law served in the late 50's and early 60's and my great-nephew recently graduated from Marine boot camp. I just don't want to try to compete with those of you who have already said what I wish I could say (
HAT), so bear with me.
On Veterans day in 1969 a miraculous thing happened to me. I became a Fourth Grade Aunt! I had nothing to do with this new celebrity status that was bestowed upon me...but relished greatly in it. I remember that the principal called me into the hall to tell me that my mom had called to let me know that I had a new niece! Wow!! No one else in my class was an Aunt (or an Uncle). My best friend at that time had a
baby brother!
My brother had been married for 4 years and had just produced an heir! We lived in Pennsylvania when this happened and my brother and his new family were in Indiana so I really don't remember how old my niece was when I saw her for the first time. But I do remember being in awe and wonder of her. (and not being allowed to hold her: like 10 year olds are not responsible or something?)
Beth Ann Dunphy
1970
1970
1973

1974
Today, Beth is 40 years old. FORTY!!! It cannot be possible. She is a wonderful mom of three incredible kids. She has survived challenges that would have killed a lesser woman. I wish I knew her better, but twenty years of living 4 states apart has made it difficult to stay close.

May 2008
Happy Birthday, Beth. I hope you have a wonderful day! And may I say a personal THANK YOU to my Daddy, my brother Dan, my Brother-in-Law Joe, and Quinn for your years of service; and to Seth for your future service to our great country.
To all current servicemen and women: Thank You. To all of the Veterans, Thank You. To all of you who will choose this life in the future, Thank You. The freedom that I have every day is due to you. May God bless you all.