Monday Morning Boost: They Stood To Defend
I’m honored to be part of a family of veterans.
My dad Ed “Sonny” Patterson was a veteran of the Air Force and the Utah Army National Guard. My mother’s father Forrest “Corky” Christiansen was an Army veteran who fought in World War II. My brothers Robert and Marc are both veterans of the Utah Army National Guard. I have uncles, cousins, and extended family who are veterans.
My greatest honor comes from my three veteran sons: Cody is in the Army and has previously served in the Utah Army National Guard, Clint serves in the Marine Corps, and Brenin serves in the Air Force. Each is doing their part to defend by serving.
ARMISTICE DAY
On this Veterans Day when we recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice ending World War I, I have recently learned through Family Search of three relatives who served during the World War I time period.
Albert Russell Racer was a cousin to my great-grandfather Leslie C. Raisor who I am named after. Ironically, though their names are spelled differently, they came from the same grandfather, who also had a different spelling of his last name, James Henry Raser.
Frank Davis Frederic was a third cousin to Mary Snow, mother of my great-grandfather Leslie C. Raisor.
Richard Henry Schoon was a third cousin to Leah Ann Ross, the mother of my dad’s father, Aubra Clark Patterson. Aubra’s middle name of Clark has been passed to my dad, to me, and to my son Cody.
MAY WE NEVER FORGET
On this Veterans Day observed, may our hearts be filled with gratitude and love for our country’s veterans. May we always honor their courage. May we always remember their sacrifice. May we never forget those who didn’t come home.
Some served in peacetime. Some served during combat but not in combat zones. Some served in combat zones but did not engage in what may be defined as actual combat. Some engaged in actual combat.
They each served. They each swore their allegiance to the Constitution. They each stood ready to defend.
May we always remember they who stood to defend.
THEY STOOD TO DEFEND
By Les Patterson
At a desk or on a ship
In the mud or in the air
Veterans our country served
They stood to defend.
Allegiance forged
Sworn in Constitutional words
Against all enemies
They stood to defend.
That ultimate price
Laid upon the altars of freedom
They were willing to pay
They stood to defend.
Ruffles and Flourishes
Our Flag’s banners unfurled
The charge to lead
They stood to defend.
Be it peacetime or war
Each veteran who served
Is a veteran to honor
They stood to defend.
May our gratitude be eternal
Nor shall we ever forget
Our honor to always remember
They who stood to defend.
Have a good Monday! Thanks for letting me share.
Les
p.s. Take 13 minutes today to remember, honor, and thank a veteran. Most will always appreciate a hug.
REMEMBER…
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