Flashback Friday- Remembrance

Nov 11, 2011 by cafebebemama

Today, 11-11-11, is Remembrance Day or Veteran’s Day in the US. My grandpa was a pilot in World War II and was exceptionally proud of his service to his country in the war.

My Grandpa Dale died on March 8, 2008. He missed meeting his great-granddaughter by 3 months. I hadn’t seen my Grandpa since September 2005 and couldn’t go back to the US for his funeral as I was heavily pregnant with Ella at the time. My Grandpa had suffered, the last 10 or so years of his life with Alzheimer’s Disease. The Grandpa that I remember is not the one who died in 2008 but the one who was my Grandpa from 1970 on.

My Grandpa was the life of the party, the best Grandpa a child could ask for, a supportive and loving husband and a devoted father to my Dad. I learned a lot from my Grandpa and the memories I have of him are fond ones. My Dad was an only child so my brother and I were the only grand-children he would enjoy. He doted on us and made us both feel very special indeed.

One of the areas of my Grandpa’s life that I didn’t know very much about was his military service. Mainly because I didn’t ask, I suppose! But my Grandpa’s generation didn’t brag about anything. He was proud to have served his country, was a brave pilot who flew missions in the Atlantic and over Europe and came home in one piece to marry his childhood sweetheart and start a family. My Grandpa worked many a job to go to University to become a teacher following the war and eventually became a Principal (Head Teacher) where he helmed many a school and staff to become better and brighter. “Mr. Morley” was loved by one and all. Not a bad reputation to have.

My Grandpa died just 3 days short of what would have been his 85th birthday. Instead, he was buried on his birthday after a funeral attended by hundreds in the town in which Grandpa grew up. According to everyone in attendance, my Grandpa’s funeral was a great celebration of an amazing man and an amazing life. I miss my Grandpa and honour him today, Remembrance Day.

My Dad produced a short video which was played at Grandpa’s funeral. It’s this that I share with you today for my Flashback Friday. While I was not there on the day of Grandpa’s funeral, I love that I can view this video to see some of the wonderful memories of my Grandpa and his life. You’ll even find me in a few of the later images. Enjoy and remember, today of all days, the thousands of brave soldiers who fought so hard to make our world a safer and better place. Please link up your Flashback Friday memories below…