Last night at our reunion party we had a great sing along

[malaise]

with my Iraq war vet nephew on guitar. It was so much fun singing all sorts of songs the different generations like. These reunions always end with some farewell song started by whoever is most sober by then.

My oldest sister (who lives in Denmark) asked him if he knew this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHcunREYzNY

and I was absolutely shocked that he not only knew the chords but he also knew all the lyrics.
We were all hugging by the end and then he asked us to think about the songs that we'd hear in the coming weeks as the vets returned home.

My entire trip to Florida began and ended with matters Vets as never had I seen so many people in the immigration lines as I did on Thursday. The officials were marshaling folks into any available line and two older men were complaining that American citizens shouldn't have to wait to enter their own country while 'foreigners' were in US citizen lines ahead of them.

The older one was next to me and he asked me what I thought. I noticed a tattoo and asked him if he was a Vietnam vet and he was quite delighted that I knew. I then said I didn't think any vet should wait in an immigration line and that there should be a line for them regardless of nationality.

The three of us then had a delightful conversation and he had our entire line in stitches with tales of life. I told them to go ahead of me and he insisted that ladies always go first (I was traveling alone this year) as hubby couldn't escape a conference in the Eastern Caribbean.

SO it started with two Vietnam vets and ended with my Iraq nephew knowing the lyrics of a World War II song and asking us what we'll be singing to welcome home his friends.

Funny both the Vietnam Vets (complete strangers) and my nephew mentioned the joy of a good draw of herb and a cup of blue mountain coffee.

And yes, in two years the siblings will get together again with the children and grandchildren and any other family and friends who show up. For sure We'll meet again!!!

My nephew said lots of army folks know this song by heart and looking at the over 2 million hits, he may have a point.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. What a beautiful post, my dear malaise...

Thank you!

:hug:

[malaise]

2. You're welcome my dear California Peggy

I had a beautiful three days in Miami with my folks and all their folks - it was a riot. :D

[riverbendviewgal]

3. My son is living in England now

and I sent him the link ..I am sure his in laws would love to hear her again.

I loved all the old WWII songs.

thanks for the memories....I watched all those WWII movies on TV in the 50's and 60's as a kid.

[malaise]

4. You're welcome

The English adore Vera - she's Dame Vera Lynn these days and she's still alive :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vera_Lynn

[NBachers]

5. Yup, that song never fails to grab me

Thanks for the little wet-eyed trip. Bless your Thanksgiving clan; bless each and every one of us.

[malaise]

6. Tears are cleansing

just like laughter :hi: