American Fighter Aces

Last year on Memorial Day we got to travel to DC to help celebrate the American Fighter Aces, of whom my grandfather is one. It was a highlight of my whole life and certainly cannot be improved upon as Memorial Day celebrations go. So here is my post from last year. A blessed Memorial Day to all, especially those living the pain of fresh grief.

Happy Memorial Day everyone. So thankful for everyone who has given their lives over these many years for the protection of this country. Praying for those who are mourning their loved ones. Going to rummage around and dig up a flag.

Here are a smattering of pictures from our time last week. My grandfather, Robert Carlson, was one of thirty some aces who were present to receive the Congressional Gold Medal for American Fighter Aces. The medal itself was placed in the Smithsonian. Each Ace received a heavy bronze version of which ours Elphine keeps dropping as she examines it.

The ceremony itself was held in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol and we were all very excited to be there. Here I am, stressing about how much food to take for the long wait.

Gathering into the elevator. I know, exciting.

Beginning to eat the food in the train station before walking up to the Capitol. We didn’t get to ride the train but we did get to park near it.

Finding my parents and settling in to eat more food.

Matt walked the children round to the front and got someone to take their picture. I petered out in protection of my feet, not wanting them to be horribly hurting before anything even started.

Seeing if anyone on the Internet is wrong on this fine sunny day.

The program, once in Emancipation Hall.

The children begin to whine once discovering they have an hour to wait and will not be allowed to run around screaming.

Some give in and stop whining.

Great Grandma and Great Grandpa finally arrive.

So cool to see them after all this wait.

And then the program starts. Many important people give speeches.

The band plays, the chorus sings, and I am in no good location to get a picture of the medal being given. However, Stars and Stripes Magazine has a whole article and some cool pictures, including one of Gladys pouting.

When it was all over we tried to get a family picture which is always difficult to arrange and in this case happened in stages.

So grateful for such an incredible time and for the men who fought this war, and their wives and family and country who supported and prayed for them. Grateful to have heard so many stories. Grateful for the freedom they bought at such a price.

Happy Memorial Day!