Ah Memorial Day weekend….pools are open, school is almost over, people are on vacation for the 3-day weekend, and picnics and block parties are being held. But let’s not forget that Memorial Day is a day we commemorate US soldiers who died while serving in our military.
Deena and I both grew up military brats. It’s definitely a different lifestyle, moving every 2 to 4 years, living on military bases, going to the commissary and BX, making new groups of friends several times during childhood. I even lived in Korea for 2 years on a military post in Seoul. It was during the 1988 Olympics, which was awesome, and I made some great friends while going to Seoul American High School for 2 years. I actually really enjoyed my childhood being a part of the whole military community.Â
My dad is now retired, but the pride still continues on for me. If we are with them when driving onto a military base, he gets saluted for being a retired officer. Just the other day he showed his ID card to get a military discount at Lowe’s and it was awesome how much respect he received from the cashier.
Last weekend we went with my parents to see the 2011 Andrews Air Force Base Joint Service Open House (JSOH…you know everything in the military/government is an acronym!) and Air Show. The air show was made of just pure awesomeness. There is no other way to describe it. The kids were able to go inside planes and helicopters and chinooks. Here they are peering out the window of a chinook:
Lots of planes and jets on display:
 
And lots of planes in the air:
Don’t adjust your screen, that plane is flying upside down!
And a famous Thunderbird up close, just driving by…something you see everyday, right?
 
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To top off the week, last night we went with some friends to listen to the United States Marine Band play, followed by an awesome fireworks display. I guess you can say it was a very patriotic week for us!Â
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” ~John F. Kennedy
Happy Memorial Day!