Hi ho, MMMLOGerinos!

If I were at my childhood home in northwestern Arizona today, I'd have gotten up way before the sun and gone to the cemetery with my dad for the American Legion's salute to the honored veterans of World War II, Korea, Viet Nam and the modern wars. Then on to the courthouse and the canon salute. Actually, I discovered that they don't fire a canon but launch mortar rounds, like fireworks.

I didn't go with Dad and the Reveille Club on Veteran's Day when I was little. It wasn't until I was married to my own vet (Viet Nam), who was invited to join the club, that I got to go to the courthouse and watch those "old" warriors rattle the windows of the town. When I was a pre-teen my parents were both very active in the American Legion; Dad was the Post commander and Mom president of the Auxiliary, I believe. On Veteran's Day the Legion put on a breakfast for its members and the town. The Auxiliary women cooked the eggs, bacon and pancakes and we kids served it. The Reveille Club members, many of whom had gotten an early start at the bar, were the first to be seated for breakfast. There were several WWI veterans who wore their old uniforms. I remember one particularly "relaxed" fellow in US Navy blues with a flat hat, who always seemed to require a very close look at his pancakes, until some kindly, supportive vet sat beside him.

I'd love to be with Dad and Mom today as they celebrate Veteran's Day in the time honored tradition, but these days my place is here in the Pacific Northwest and celebrating my own veteran.

Best wishes and happy times to all good people.

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMMMelinda