Cincinnati Chapter SAR

This past Wednesday, my wife and I went to visit an old friend.

This gentleman was 95 years old.  He has been a gem in the field of diamonds.  A veteran, he and his wife have a stable of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  If you want to get a huge smile and a flurry of stories, just ask him about one of his grand kids.  Make sure you have some time to listen!

He and his wife are terrific people, folks you want to be like, want to be around.

We try to make it down to see them once every month or so.  It is a bit of a trip, however worth it.

When we left the other day, we commented that we were so glad we went to visit.  “You never know when our visits may end”.  At the end of the day, we took the time to visit, to make some more memories, to spend some time with folks who are very special.  We know they enjoyed seeing us and it brightened their day as well.

Heartwarming to say the least!

Upon leaving this couples home, we stopped by a local eatery and were welcomed at the door by the Missing In Action (MIA) / POW table honoring the veterans who have not returned.

POW / MIA (Prisoner of War / Missing in Action) Table setting

During these holidays, it is even more difficult to look back and think of all those special souls we have lost.  We cannot change those circumstances, however can act on taking advantage of days we have left with those we love, adore, respect and want to be like.

Please, look around, see to it that you identify someone or many who fit this bill and reach out to them.  It may be the biggest gift you can give them, and yourself!

Good luck reaching out!

This past week, I had the “pleasure” of babysitting two grandchildren in Columbus.

During the day we took the opportunity to visit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.  

Located on the south east side of downtown, with plenty of parking stands this very impressive facility.

The site is easily accessible with many exhibits covering the chronology of all the great American conflicts.

There was plenty to read, and there were wonderful videos sharing the experiences and personal stories of Veterans during the more recent conflicts.

We were treated to a local middle school choir singing the anthems of the branches of service and other patriotic tunes.  This was in the open area where the sound could carry throughout the building.

If you visit, you will be able to capture some of the feelings of the horrors of war.  I was not in the military, however was drawn to tears listening to some of the stories of the Veterans.

Tough to leave there with a dry eye.  Very powerful and moving!

They also have a Gold Star Remembrance Gallery with taps being played on the hour.  The glass in the window displays the colors of military campaign ribbons.

If you are in the Columbus area, this would be a great stop.  You can spend a couple of hours to a complete day reading and watching all the information presented.

To learn more about programs, hours of operation, membership and donations, you can visit their website at:  http://www.NationalVMM.org

The address of the Memorial/Museum is:

300 West Broad Street

Columbus, OH  43215

Hope you have an opportunity to visit and enjoy!