Flag and Fireworks
Ahh… 4th of July! Cookouts, hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, chips, lemonade, popscicles, and of course seeing the best fireworks display around. But, most of all it is a celebration of our independence. Freedom!
My residence at the time is in Sweden, temporarily. I am an American citizen. Although the holiday in Sweden must pass without all the hoopla, it is a time to reflect even more deeply on what it means to be FREE.
Today I am highlighting my father in law, Charles Couch who served in World War II, on the USS Carroll. Serving in the military is a continuing exercise in keeping us free.
Here is a picture now.
Charles and Ann Couch, age 87 and 89.
Charles Couch in 1943.
He served on the USS Carroll (DE-171) Cannon-class destroyer escort , from commissioning in 1943 to de commissioning in November of 1945.The crew and ship participated in both the North Atlantic operations, and the Pacific operations.
USS Carroll
The Japanese also signed the surrender of Tobi-Sonsorol-Merir on board the USS Carroll DE 171.
Japanes Surrender Aboard Carroll DE 171
Thank you for your service, Charles, and preserving our Freedom!
Globe Trottin Granny
Who do you thank for our freedom?
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Carroll_(DE-171)
http://www.desausa.org/Stories/surrender_aboard_uss_carroll_de171.htm
Happy 4th to you too Kathleen! Very nice post!
Sadly, like many, I’ve never really thought about who to thank for my freedom. I believe there are many to thank though. Beginning with our forefathers who fought to break from England to form our country. Of course my ancestors who all played a part in whatever war or skirmish was going on in their time. My father and uncles, cousins, nephews and the list goes on and on. I can’t leave out the women in my family…if they didn’t serve in the military, they served at home, keeping the family safe and the household going. I believe we can thank ourselves as well. In making sure to keep the peace in our own neighborhoods now and supporting one another. Making sure to vote for our elected officials as they, along with us, help to run our nation. Living in another country than that of my birthplace, makes me feel grateful that we as American citizens are able to do that in safety. I won’t be barbequing today or watching fireworks but will be thinking of my family and friends in the USA and around the world, hoping that peace spreads throughout. Many thanks for our freedom to all who served then, are serving now and will serve in the future. Many thanks indeed.
Wonderful! Ill show dad the next time I go over!
Thanks, I was hoping they could see it.
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