This photo was taken at the family homestead in Massachusetts. Pictured here is my grandfather with three of his four sons. Three sons served in World War II. My grandfather served in The Great War (WWI) in France. In this photo are my dad holding the hat and too young to serve, my Uncle William the sailor, and my Uncle Jimmy the army soldier. Not pictured is my Uncle Peter an army veteran who also served in WWII.
I've recently learned about some family folklore. It has been said that my grandfather lost all his hair overnight after three of his four sons enlisted. And me being a precocious child used to call my grandfather "Baldy Murphy" ~ sorry Grandpa!
My Grandpa and I used to play little mind games with each other. We weren't allowed to walk on the hardwood floors, only on the oriental rugs (go figure). So, I would walk with half my little foot on the rug, and the other half on the hardwood floor - staring him down the entire time I walked to his candy dish! I was never reprimanded, just loved by him and my grandma!
My grandparents were blessed to have their sons all return safely, marry, and have families of their own. They were all wonderful men, and I miss each of them dearly. I'm so proud that they protected and served our country for the freedom that we enjoy today.
I would also like to acknowledge all service men, women and their families, from every part of the globe, who have served and sacrificed for their countries past and present.
A wonderful photo! And relieved and glad to hear your uncles came home safe.
ReplyDeleteI love family "lore" and the fact that so many men in your life served our country! Today I salute all the veterans who have fought, not only to keep our country safe and free, but to liberate other countries. Long may our flag fly over our wonderful country.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
a most brilliant tribute and an excellent story...
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, touching post. You were blessed to have these men in your family and fortunate to have such a wonderful photo.
ReplyDeletei just love this post. what a great photo!!! i only ever had one grandparent but i loved him to pieces. my father was a WWII vet and my brother was a vietnam vet.
ReplyDeleteYou were right, I did come back. Love you tribute for Remembrance Day. I also had 3 brothers who went to war; they came back to a brand new baby sister...me
ReplyDeleteRita
Wonderful post. I can imagine how hard that would be on a father to have all three sons enlisted. Don't you love the old photos. This one is so expressive!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! Amen!
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful photo and a great story. And happily all the sons came home. Your Dad looked very dapper in his suit and holding that fedora.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder your grandfather lost all his hair from stress when his sons enlisted. He knew better than they did what hell they were heading into. I'm glad they all returned safe and sound!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful photograph and the story that goes along with it. I love your recollections of your grandpa (why not walk on the wood floor? LOL) - sounds like you were the apple of his eye to me! Thank you for acknowledging our country's veterans. Ann
ReplyDeleteI see that Kim already made the comment I had in mind, that your father looked very dapper, so I'll second the motion, and you as the chair can bang the gavel and declare "So moved!".
ReplyDeleteThis is my first (but not my last!) visit to your blog. I saw your comment on Dog Trot Farm, and had to come see your Maine blog. I was curious to see where in Maine, and when I saw the Fish'n Optician sign (which I've never seen, oddly), I recognized the phone # prefix as being in Saco. I live on the other side of "The Bridge" in Biddeford, so howdy neighbor!
My husband just announced that Thorton Academy's football team just beat Cheverus. That's quite an upset. So I think they'll be playing in the State Championship, now?
Lovely blog. I think I'll be perusing your recipes!
Come by and visit me!
Wendy
That's a priceless picture. It captures such an intriguing moment in time in the history of your family. (You grandfather sounds like a wonderful man.)
ReplyDeleteSo glad your Dad and your uncles all came back from the war. Thank you for sharing this great picture and some more about your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat a photo and what memories. Wow. My father returned from WWII bald, but it was the first time I had ever seen him, so it didn't matter to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Susan. Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man and lots of fun too.
Sam
What a great photo to have of the men in your family that have passed on. Veterans Day means so much to so many families. God Bless all the veterans that are presently serving and those who have served in the past.
ReplyDeletewounderful picture and great memories... enjoy your evening!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful photo and story behind it, Mary. It is so good to honor those that serve in our military and who help defend our freedoms!
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching story, thank you for sharing these wonderful memories. What a strong photograph, such a beautiful thing - you must be so proud of them all.
ReplyDeleteIvan
Just spotted your comment about WW1 on my post and answered. Thank you very much for visiting all the way from Maine and love the little seal featured near your banner! We see them bobbing along along the island as well!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and yours,
Hello - thank you for your kind comment of my blog - you must be so proud of the men in your family! What a story - I am so glad that they all returned form the war. Gillian x
ReplyDeleteLoved this post!!
ReplyDeleteI loved the stories, and the picture is great!!
What a beautiful picture and lovely nickname.
ReplyDeleteNina x
What a lovely post and tribute to your relatives and all those that serve their country.
ReplyDeletethis is a very interesting story. I enjoyed reading it!
ReplyDeleteMary, you've won my cookbook giveaway - Ina's newest cookbook - Foolproof. Now you'll have all of her books!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. Please let me know where to send the book to you.
Happy Thanksgiving too.
Sam