Sunday Afternoon, July 15 – In our garage and yard

This group consisted of my dad’s siblings and their families. Dad and both of his brothers (Ken and Glenn) share reunions in Heaven. His sisters Lois and Julia were able to attend this reunion.

This day would have been my dad’s ninety-eighth birthday.

Those who arrived early visited until it was time for lunch. Left to right: my brother Dale; our son Jeff: Andrew (son of my cousin Bev) holding his son, Henry: my cousin Barry and his wife, Audrey.

Everyone brought a hot and cold dish – making a delicious variety of food.

By the time everyone arrived, there were about fifty of us. Each of the five siblings was represented by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or great-great-grandchildren.

My niece Karen and my aunt Julia (Daddy’s youngest sister).

An Amish family went by our yard as I was taking pictures.

My cousin Barry (Glen and Julia’s son), who has a keen interest in learning about our Grandpa Milton’s service in France during World War !, shared a bit about his and Audrey’s recent trip to the area where Grandpa served as a Sergeant in charge of horses. The horses often had to go to the front lines because vehicles could not navigate the territory.

Barry chose 2018 to make the trip to France, because it is 100 years since Grandpa was there.

Barry said, after going on tour in France led by men who were quite knowledgeable about World War 1, he thinks Grandpa was in far greater danger than he ever conveyed to us.

Grandpa told us bits and pieces throughout the years and wrote about it in his book, “A Time to Every Purpose”, but we were of the impression that there were only a few times that he was in danger.

On one photo that Barry displayed, there was a long list of names of the Americans who died during the war. Barry pointed out where Grandpa’s name would have been listed had he been killed – meaning that none of us would be here.

 Many asked Barry questions following his presentation. In this picture: Bev, Luanne, Chris, Dale, and Barry.

My cousins Bev and Luanne

I was fascinated with his suit and coat – which was a heavy wool. I cannot imagine wearing that on a hot day.

Our sister-in-law Brenda looking at items on the table while I posed with Grandpa’s coat.

I was surprised by the weight of his helmet.

Of course, I had to put it on my head. 🙂

Thanks to everyone who came and made it a fabulous afternoon. Special thanks to Barry and Audrey for giving us new insight into Grandpa’s life in the military. Also thanks to those who stayed until the end and helped us clean up by putting tables, chairs, and canopies away.