Veteran's Day in San Diego

Another beautiful day. A day to honor those who have served our country, including my Father who served in the Air Force during the Korean War; and my Father-in-Law who served in the Navy during WWII.

My dad served stateside in California. He was in the Air Force and served as an accountant. And oh-boy did he have stories!

My father, Bill, served at Camp Stoneman in Northern California. They were responsible for processing service men and women overseas, and returning from, the conflict. They felt as if they were in the vortex of everything happening.

When he passed away, we found out he was entitled to a niche at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Pt. Loma (San Diego). We were proud that his country remembered and honored him with this benefit. His view is looking out to the Pacific Ocean, very near the picture shown.

My wife's father, Armand, served in the Navy during WWII. He was a hard hat diver and served in the South Pacific. He was stationed on a small island after the war, name Eniwetok, which became famous as an atomic test site. They would line up some worn out ships off shore to test the bombs on, and then line up the sailors on shore to watch the bombs go off!! Wow, what a sight. Few have seen so many bombs go off, so close.

Then the next day the Navy would have Armand dive on the bomb site and go down to asses the damage to the ships that had been sunk. Once he brought up a giant clam shell from the sea bed and shipped it home. My wife has 1/2 in our backyard, and her sister has the other 1/2 in her backyard. We swear it glows in the dark.

Needless to say Armand had a little glow going himself, and cancer eventually caught up with him. There is some bitterness that he was put in that position, but they really didn't know what they were doing. No, I am not a "believer" that government wouldn't try something funny, but in this case a little research showed that they were dragging U.S. Senators, Congressmen and other high ranking officials out to the islands, so they too could enjoy "the bomb!" They lined them up on shore, on ships, and in planes to watch the might and power of the US. So in this case I don't believe they knew what they were doing.

Armand too was remembered by his country and the Navy with honors. He too has a marker at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

So on Veteran's Day, we say "Thanks!" Thanks to you, and the rest of the Greatest Generation! You built a wonderful country to live in, raise a family in, and enjoy the highest standard of living in history. We owe it all to you. So, again, Thank You!!!

Bob