#149 Memorial Day

I thought alot about what pictures I could take today.  Picnics and BBQ's are taking place.  
Visits to cemetaries, with flags and flowers everywhere.

I decided today I would let you meet my Dad.  Edward J. VanCorler. 

He did not lose his life while serving his country.
However when he came home he was not the same man as the one who left.
(They called it shell shock)
When he passed away several years ago,  they did a bugle call, fired off rifles and presented us with a flag.

So today, I would like to thank My Dad, My Grandfathers,  Uncles, and Friends for fighting for my Freedom. Thank you to  every Man and Woman who has sacrificed their lives to  serve our Country! . 
I Pray for our soldiers who are protecting our Country today.  Please come home safe!  
Thank you to the families of these brave men and woman.  I recognize that you too have made a sacrifice so that these brave men and woman can fight to keep us safe!

Freedom is not Free. 

This last picture is one I took on a beach in California about 10 years ago.  The Man who did the sand sculpture was a vet.  I asked if I could take a picture of it, and he told me I could but,  I had to pay him 5 dollars.  I gave him 10.   Looking back I wish I had given him alot more.   It is one of my favorite pictures I have taken.  The sculpture was incredible.