Memorial Day 2009 ... three generations of military veterans

Three generations of military veterans.
(left to right)
Operation Iraqi Freedom, post-Vietnam, World War II

Three generations of military veterans stood talking in Gypsy Hill Park after the Memorial Day service today representing Operation Iraqi Freedom (National Guard) ... post-Vietnam years (U.S. Navy) ... World War II (Army Air Corps later known as the U.S. Air Force). The tradition of military service continues....

Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
May 25, 2009

A son feels duty to country....

Alec Thomas, 18, with his dad, Mike Thomas

A very strong sense of duty to country ... and a desire to serve ... were inspirational in Alec Thomas' decision to join the National Guard Reserve. A 2007 home educated high school graduate from Chesterfield County, he completed his basic training on July 31, 2008, with a specialty in Military Police and will enter college for the fall semester studying Criminal Justice.

Although service could be put off until after his schooling is completed, he is considering going active duty after this semester ... again, out of a sense of duty to country and a desire to serve.

Where do we find these young people? They are special ... they are the ones who feel led to protect us even at this time of war. Much goes to their parents who lay the foundation from an early age. We are grateful and thankful.

We wish Alec the best as he pursues college and military service, and we thank his parents for their part in raising a son with a patriotic pride in our country.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell