My dad used to say, of soldiers in battle, that the real heroes are the ones who never came home. My husband would always remind him that if none had ever come home, we would have lost in war.
I agree with both. Those who gave their lives protecting our freedom, and those who came home from service are heroes.
Today’s Friday feature is one of simply honoring our soldiers who served or are serving to keep us free:
Our Soldiers
Honor those fallen ~ thank those who serve ~ they are all heroes
Below are some photos of my dad, from when he bravely served as a tank commander on the front lines in the Korean War. He was a Purple Heart candidate after being shot twice, but refused because of his sentiments about those real heroes described above. Growing up, I was always so proud of his service. However, war did have an impact on him, especially since he saw so many of his Army comrades killed during the heat of battle.
Robert Stephens, served in the Korean War
My dad in the Army
Two other soldiers I am proud of:
Kevin Nash, my step-son, formerly in the Army, served in Kosovo ~ Thanks for your service, Kevin!
Zach Leis, my grandson, recently enlisted in Army National Guard ~very proud of you, Zach!
Do you have a hero you want to brag on? Are you proud of someone who served or is currently serving? I would love to hear your stories as we together honor our soldiers!
Heavenly Raindrops 
Awesome!!! I LOVE the pictures of Bob!! He was a GREAT looking soldier!! Thanks to ALL of our soldiers!!!!
He was a handsome dude! Amen!
Yes! Even though Memorial Day remembers those who fell while in the service, all those who serve honorably are heroes! Although my dad did not pass away until after retirement, I learned that he was a codebreaker. I knew he served in the USMC and taught classes, but it wasn’t until his death that I learned the secret of his service. I can only imagine he helped save many lives. Thank you for honoring our military! The Lord be with them as they serve under ever-increasingly difficult times.
Oh wow. What interesting and very important work that your
Sorry. Let me finish! I know you are proud of how your dad served. I agree with you that what he did may very well have saved so many. I do feel we must honor those fallen, but life is too short. I don’t want to miss an opportunity to honor all our soldiers. Our freedom is a precious gift they have all given us! Thanks so much for sharing your story of your dad!
Our father joined the coast guard in California in 1946 (I think), got shipped to Maine and met our mother on a blind date. He was on air/sea rescue, and loved to say to his Navy friends, “When the Navy comes in, the Coast Guard goes out.”
Also so proud of Sophie’s son Joel who served with the 101st Airborne in Iraq. Thankfully back home safe and finally sound.
Thanks to Joel for his recent service and praise God he is home safely. We appreciate you, Joel!
Hence, your life in Maine! What a great story. The coast guard folks really do risk their lives out on the seas. I know you are proud of his service. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Grandma for recognizing me on here.
You bet. Proud of my army grandson!
thanks for this beautiful tribute!!! and for helping us remember what made and still makes this country a wonderful place
I pray that greatness continues! God bless America and America bless God. Thanks. Hope you have a lovely weekend.