Another Veterans Day is here and as a nation we are thanking the men and women who have helped preserve the freedoms many of us take for granted. These men and woman have made and are making so many sacrifices to ensure that the American people will continue to live in a free country. What does it mean to be free??? Hmmmm . . . . maybe you should have listened to your history teachers a little closer and you might now! Seriouly, I believe that most Americans know what freedoms we have that many countires don't, plus most have an understanding of the sacrifices that were made by many members of our family and community to make sure we don't lose these freedoms.
There are so many members of our family who served their nations call - some by choice, others were called by Uncle Sam. They proudly served their country and protected her and their family from many evils of the world. This is an ongoing battle as we all know, and we should be thankful for the continued protection of these brave men and women. Many of our Veterans participated in wars that were/are controversal in the fact that many felt the US should not be involved. regardless of those beliefs from many, we need to thank these men and women for what they did to help ensure our lives continued as we know it! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and are so thankful for all you did.
There are two members of our family who were part of the millions of men and women who participated in WWII - our fathers, Clyde Austin HArdin and Elmer J (Buck) Layne. We know the sacrifices they made, some about what they went through (they never talked much about their experience), and how much they loved their country and family! We love them and are so proud to be the children of such fine and brave Veterans. Were they still here today, we would give them a hug, love, and tell them how proud we are of them!
Bill’s father was a member of the 10th Armored Division. Clyde was part of the “Battle of the Bulge.” December 22-26, 1944 was a very scary time for Clyde and the men he was with – they were surrounded by the Germans and had no idea if they were going to get out alive. Not only did they have to deal with the being the enemy, but they also had to deal with the elements of the weather and the lack of food supplies.
Pappaw Clyde and a little buddy! We think this was a picture of Clyde at his home place - notice the fence in the background - looks like a WV fence! :)
Pappaw Clyde and some of his Army buddies! Clyde is the one sitting in the middle.
On June 6, 2009, I thought about Dad. It wasn’t until 1999 that he told us the boat he was on was to have been one of the first ones to land on Normandy Beach June 6, 1944. For some reason, the boat he was on got out of line (some said due to mechanical problems). Dad and the 2nd Armored Division landed along Omaha Blue sector of Normandy beaches. Had Dad landed the day he was scheduled to – history for the Layne family would be a lot different than it is today! He did tell us that by the time he got ashore, the beaches had been cleaned up. This knowledge that Dad could have been one of those soldiers who landed first is one of the reasons I haven't seen the movie "Saving Private Ryan." My dad could have been one who didn't come home alive!Dad and his buddy - Cecil - entered the service at the same time, went through boot camp together, but were not together when they went overseas!
Dad (in the middle) and some of his buddies in a "fox hole."
Most of the WW II veterans did not share everything they went through during the war. It was something they only shared with their comrades. Only those men and women who were part of this war to ensure that their family and friends would be living in a country that was free knew what is was like to be part of this event in our country's history. WW II veterans were proud to do their part for their country. Sadly, we are losing these veterans every day.
We do know that these “old soldiers” are now in a far better place. They are rejoicing with one another and our heavenly Father. I pray they know how much they are loved and will be missed. I also pray they know how much we appreciate their sacrifices to ensure the freedoms we all have today. I also hope that future generations understand what they did for them as well.
To all veterans and active members of the Armed Forces - thank you!!!!!
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