Selbert Gandy was a member of the U.S. Navy. Shortly before the incident at Pearl Harbor, Grandpa's ship was lost at sea. His family waited for days to hear from him. S.R. was unaware that his family did not know his whereabouts. Fortunately, he was found and that is partly why I am here today.
Earl Powell was also a member of the U.S. Navy and was very proud to flash his Navy pictures to anyone who would sit with him and listen to his stories of war. He was also a WW II veteran and another reason for why I am here today.
Earl Powell was also a member of the U.S. Navy and was very proud to flash his Navy pictures to anyone who would sit with him and listen to his stories of war. He was also a WW II veteran and another reason for why I am here today.
Gary Protenic, a member of the army during the Vietnam war suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The fireworks on the Fourth of July remind him of crouching down in barracks and listening to gunshots ring out. He now prefers to stand behind a pulpit on Sunday mornings in a free country where he can preach the Good News about the God that kept him alive.
So, thanks Grandpa Gandy, Grandpa Powell, and Uncle Gary for defending our country. Because of you, I can go out with my family and friends and celebrate like I did last night. We met up with some old friends from our church days in Lee's Summit and ended up at the Riverfest in Parkville. I'm pretty sure our kids enjoyed the get together more than we did.
Taylor ran from ride to ride. First, he ended up on the cars.
Then he went down the "big slide" on a burlap sack with Daddy.
After that, he wanted to ride the "horsey" on the carousel. This was the first time he rode on a carousel without Mommy or Daddy standing right next to him. He's so big.
Josiah got to stay up way past his bedtime and watch all the excitement. They don't really have carnival rides for one year olds. But, no worries, he fell asleep in the car on the way home.
After that, he wanted to ride the "horsey" on the carousel. This was the first time he rode on a carousel without Mommy or Daddy standing right next to him. He's so big.Josiah got to stay up way past his bedtime and watch all the excitement. They don't really have carnival rides for one year olds. But, no worries, he fell asleep in the car on the way home.Brad and Kyle(the two bright orange specks at the top of the picture below) thought it would be a really good idea to go on this Zero Gravity ride before we left. Keep in mind, we had just ate dinner at Red Robin. It's a good thing we didn't have to see seconds of it!
Happy Fourth of July, everyone. Enjoy your freedom and thank those that fought for you to celebrate with family and friends. Be safe!
What a great tribute to your Grandads & Uncle. Way to go, Crystal. Naturally I also enjoyed the pictures of my cute grandsons!
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