Memorial Day Greetings

It would be so easy to keep this day on the family, friends and gentle reminiscence level.   It has been a good weekend.  We've enjoyed a fine family bar-b-que and the almost required family croquet game (where there is no such thing as family loyalty).  We've spent time with children and grandchildren, enjoyed a little exercise and some extraordinary weather.  I've even had some, "down" time to read and watch some truly exemplary Civil War history programs on History International. I've thanked every one of the veterans that I know for their service (starting with my husband).  So it's been a good day, a gentle day, a day that far too many people didn't get a chance to share due to circumstances beyond their control.   

It is a good day to be an American.  Of course, I wouldn't be an American if my ancestors had not chosen to come here.  In 1635 Ralph Blaisdell, his wife, Elizabeth and son, Henry, landed off Pemaquid Point, Maine just as the Great Colonial Hurricane was bearing down on them.  The ship, The Angel Gabriel was destroyed but their lives were just beginning.  I come down in a direct line from this bold English couple.  My maternal grandfather was a Blaisdell.  My other three grandparents were all immigrants: two from Norway, one from Germany.  I thank all of them for their willingness to take a risk, shoulder responsibility, work hard and constantly strive to improve the world for themselves and their children.  I am here because of them.  I hope I am up to carrying their flag.  God knows I plan to try. 

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