A Salute to the Veterans Who Have Touched My Life

Sunday November 11, is Remembrance Day in Canada. It is a day to honour veterans for the sacrifice they've made to assure we live in freedom. So, in honour of Remembrance Day, I would like to introduce you to the veterans who have touched my life.

Private Frederick Willson - my Dad. This photo was taken in 1940 when he was in basic training.

This is my Uncle Bill. He served with the Hamilton Light Infantry and was sent to England early during WWII. He participated in Operation Jubilee and landed on the beach at Dieppe, France. His best friend died on that beach in my uncle's arms. He was wounded and when he recuperated, he moved into Caan, France. It was there that he was wounded so badly that he was shipped home.

Dieppe was a military disaster. Hundreds of soldiers died on that beach. There were four landings that day and Uncle Bill landed right at Dieppe. The German soldiers were aware that the troops were moving in and they shot the men as they landed. Some were still in the water when they lost their lives. Uncle Bill didn't talk about the landing much, but the one thing I remember was that he said the water was red with blood. Now that I've studied the landing, I'm surprised that anyone survived. I'm glad that Uncle Bill came home. He was a lot of fun and always had time for us when we were kids.

This is my Uncle Bert. He was stationed in British Columbia during WWII. He was a guard at the Japanese Interment Camp there. When it came time, he was shipped overseas and took part in the Liberation of Holland.

I give thanks that so many young men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice in order that we may live in freedom. I salute those men and women from Canada and the US, as well as all other countries who are now far from home and family, serving their countries. Let's pray that they will all come home.

A Wonderful Gift

I am speechless. Carolyn at Talk to Grams has honored me with a beautiful award. I am deeply touched.

This is what Carolyn wrote when she presented me with the award. For Social Conscience: Mary at Mary at Mary's Writing Nook Mary has interesting post about a various issues and they hold your interest all the way through!!

Thanks, Carolyn. This means a lot to me.

Now I would like to pass this on to a few who are definitely deserving:

Denise of Samaritan Women

Sharon of Rose of Sharon

Lori of Pink Faded Roses

Mrs. Staggs of Merryville

Joan of Erstwhile Librarian

Enjoy ladies and thanks for being a great inspiration to me.

Show and Tell Friday

It seems that this week has passed by rather quickly because it's already Friday and time for Show and Tell. This week I'm dedicating Show and Tell Friday to Kelly, who loves snow. To meet Kelly, visit Carolyn at Talk to Grams.

We had snow yesterday, though there was no accumulation, but I did manage to get a few pictures of our first snowfall of the year. Kelli at No Place Like Home is this week's host. Thank you Kelli.

Below is a picture of the park across the street. If you look closely, you can see the snow and there is quite a bit on the camera lens.

Above there is snow on the spent Iris leaves and on the snapdragons. Imagine snapdragons blooming in November in Ontario.

In the photo above you can see the snow on the leaves if you look closely. There's not much, as it was melting as fast as it hit the ground. Does anyone know what the red and yellow flowers are called? I was told they are strawflowers, but I'm not sure. These are one of my favorites.

These were given to me by my neighbor. They have new buds on them and are doing better now than they did all summer. They seed themselves and each year I have to thin them out so they won't take over the entire garden. My neighbor told me these are Hungarian Geraniums, but I'm not sure. They do have beautiful flowers and the foliage is a lovely green. If anyone can tell me what they are, I'd appreciate it.

Well that is all for Show and Tell Friday for this week. See you here again next Friday. Have a wonderful and safe weekend.

A Special Award

I would like to thank Denise at Shortybear's Place for honoring me with this very special award. It means the world to me. Denise has touched my life in a special way. Thank you, Denise.

I would like to pass this on to a few special people who have touched me in some way.

Pea at Pea's Corner

Renie at Renieburghardts World

Tina at Tina's Odds and Ends

Tammy at My Gentle Retreat

Carolyn at Talk to Grams

Michele at Writing the Cyber Highway

I have so many special friends here that I find it's hard to choose. So, if you are on my blogroll and would like this award, I am presenting it to you. I visit your blogs almost daily and you visit mine and I consider you all online friends that are cherished. Enjoy!