My favorite Veterans!

Veterans Day today. Honoring those who have served in the military, particularly those who have served during a time of war. Thinking about my father, Wally Messer- U.S. Airforce
, my grandaddy, Franklin "Keith" Messer- U.S.Navy, my great-great Grandfather Franklin Pierce Messer and my 4th great grandfather, Bryant Messer who served in the Florida Militia, Confederate States of America, Civil War Veteran. Wikipedia tells me that Veterans Day was chosen as November 11th because it's the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.

My dad, Wally Messer.


My Grandaddy, Franklin "Keith" Messer.


My 4th Great Grandfather, Bryant Messer.


I was at Applebee's tonight. They were serving free meals to Veterans. Anyways, we were having dinner with friends, Barbara and Norm, when my daughter asked Norm (U.S. Army- Vietnam War Veteran) why we have war, how it ends, how you know who the winner is, what the winners and losers do after it's over. Deep questions for a 9 year old. We did our best to talk through things at her level. I was glad though that she could see the sense of community in the restaurant as people went throughout the restaurant thanking others for having served. It's important to me that my children know the price for their freedom.

Norm, me, and Barbara. Adopted family!