Thank you all so much for the post... It really means a lot to me and to those I care about and most of all many family and friends who have served.. I had the pleasure of meeting Bud that was arranged from A wonderful friend here on this forum. We had breakfast on April 29, 2011. It was the first time I was to meet some very special Plumeria friends in my life. My hubby and I were visiting Costa Mesa for a show at a local shopping center. We met many wonderful friends who I dearly treasure. I was lucky to be sitting next to Bud that morning as my hubby sat across the table so he could breath the air that wasn't littered with Plumeria talk!! Lol. Bud leaned over to me and said " this is the anniversary of the day I was shot down over Berlin". I was speechless when he said that... I was still in the ' numb' stage just because I was given this gift Just to meet this wonderful man. He went on to tell me the story and he ordered the same thing...eggs and bacon just like he did that morning 33 years that morning. Two eggs over easy , Bacon and toast. This was the only time they had this wonderful breakfast was when they went on a bombing raid. I was in awe and it seemed like I could only hear him talk..I could see my hubby smiling knowing I was enjoying my talk with Bud. The guy that you have to watch who will get up quick to ( go to the restroom) and pay the bill. Was on the other side.!!! My hubby wasn't quick enough to stop him, but we got him back later... Lol!! Wonderful memories. Bud invited my hubby and i back to his home and we have been friends ever since. He is remarkable man and when he was talking to me asking about my trees, I just blanked out at the names that I already had because I was so deep in what I had just learned about Bud and how this was the morning of the day he was shot down 33 years ago. I was so moved.. Today, he is a dear friend and I honor him, Bill and all of my friends who have served in the military. I am a very sentimental person.. ( shhhh) don't tell anyone.. But I did share a pic on another forum of Bud cutting a limb from his tree for me. He pulled out his little chain saw and made me hold the pole so that I could keep things steady. He said if I wanted it, I had to work for it.. His smile is as big as mine.. He climbed in that tree for me.. I will admit that when we drove off from his place first time, I cried. Not because of the cutting, but because of the whole day.. The people I met. Bill made this all possible. His generosity and planning out visit meant everything to me. The gracious Bud made us feel so welcomed and made us drive to John Tarvins house to check out his palms trees. But what hit me hard was the friendship that was formed in how Bud was so pleased because we were interested in his stories about the war. He knows I fly and that started the conversation. We will always have a great friendship because of that meeting. . I was touched when we drove away.. I honestly had tears because I was so touched by all of my Cali friends.. I was so moved... My hubby understood. But , he didn't.. Not if you aren't Into Plumerias.. So to me .. He is so much more than a hero.. Bill as well. Thank you kind, sir!! You always go out of your way for us and for me when I visit. You and Sherry are the best. Thank you for everything!! Stephen .. Thank you for that awesome post!! I will look for that book to read. It sounds like something I would love. I'll share one with you. It's called " A Higher Call". By Adam Makos. I called Bud to see if he had read it and he said.. " I just finished it.. Lol". I think you would like it... Thank you for your grandfathers service! I know you are proud... I feel the same as you about our Veterans.. So, thank you for saying all of those kind comments.. I do appreciate you... Roxane... ;-) Bryan.. Thank You Sir... For your service and sacrifices as well. I always greet my soldiers on my flights and say something to them as well as give them a hug to welcome them home.. I see a lot of them in PHL and BWI .. The smiles I receive from them makes my day... So, thank you for your service and you are more than welcome . It really is my pleasure!!! .:-) K.. Well said... Beautiful picture. Thank you!! Wendi.. It was my pleasure.. Thank you for posting!!! Chuy.. It did to me as well. Talking about my dad.. They started. Thank you!! Xoxoxoxo. Thank you. Peggy . You are one of the families who have given all to help our great nation... You and your family have given so.... Thank you and your hubby!!!! Take care everyone!! Laura

Veteran's Day is November 11th so I assume you meant Memorial Day, formerly called Decoration Day. It also honors veterans and the front of my house is covered in flags in honor of our uncle who lived with us and died last year at age 93. He landed at Omaha Beach and men like him are honored all over the cemetarys today as we remember. It's also a day to remember lost loved ones who weren't veterans.

Thank you Lynn. In my opinion, not enough people realize how lucky we are to live in our great country, how fragile is our civilization, and that there have been/are/& will be ideologies that would like to see us go under. God bless our veterans & soldiers for doing the hard work to ensure our safety.

Picture of a vet? Yes, I carry one in my wallet. It's on my driver license. The cynical side of me has always had mixed emotions about venerating vets. Some or all of the following things apply: most (me included) served involuntarily, were not exposed to hostile fire or life-threatening circumstances, made little or no personal sacrifice other than the time and when viewed soberly, contributed little to the nation's security. Those who served in combat? It's a different story altogether, too many had life changing wounds, experiences and bad memories that will never leave. When you look at a group of vets, those are the ones to thank and they're a very small minority. Too many of the rest are wannabees looking for public acknowledgement they may not have earned.