Happy Memorial Day! The Ellery Boys Remembered

Each year on Memorial Day I give thanks to all of our Armed Forces, but especially to my three, most wonderful, uncles who served during World War II. Jimmy, my beloved uncle & friend, served in the Army & never spoke much about the war. He married my Aunt Jo who was from East Berlin so I know that he was in Germany! Jack also served in the Army. Billy was in the Air Force and continued his aviation career as a pilot for the original Flying Tigers after the war ended. I am proud of my Irish Ellery family heritage. Ellery's have fought for America since the Revolution. They have helped to protect all of the rights of citizenship that, at times, we all take too much for granted.

Thank you to all of the Armed Services - your service is a blessing I hope we all appreciate not just today, but everyday.

In Memory Of The Ellery Boys

Each year, it seems, I post the same photo of my dearly loved maternal Uncles. Each one a hero in their own right. Each made sacrifices for our country and each year I take some time, on Veteran's Day, to thank them for their service as well as for their love.

Jimmy (Army), most beloved of Uncles & dearest friend , was perhaps the most unlikely of military types. He was a scholar & a learner ; diffident ,opinionated, loyal & quirky. I mourn the loss of his nearly indecipherable letters & unquestioning love every day.

Billy (Air Force) was the red headed scamp daredevil of the bunch. The best of pilots, honest, hard-working and devoted to his own large clan. He was my god-father but I never got to know him too well after I grew up. I like to think that I became a pilot because of his influence though!

Jack, actually John (Army) was another brain in the family. He was studious and became a professor ( PhD) and teacher. I like to think that my love of history came to me through him. He authored a biography of John Stuart Mill and he had a large, loving family.

I am so very proud to call my uncles, these proud military men, my family. They were each very unique individuals - the best our Irish-American family had to offer. Each year I thank them as well as each & every one of our current service men & women for their service & for upholding the beliefs and honor of our Country.