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.
