Our veterans.  The proud men and women who fought for our freedom and dedicated their lives to make our great nation what it is today. Some have passed on and some stand strong today. Nothing touches me more than to see our veterans proudly carrying our flag as they lead parades down Main Street across America. To watch other veterans along the route proudly solute that flag…the very flag that they defended on land, on sea and in the air.

My daddy, Luther (Luke) Garretson, fought in World War II. He was in the Navy and was stationed on an aircraft carrier. After his stint with the Navy was up, he spent a couple more year in the Coast Guard. 

I dedicate my page today to the loving memory of my father,

Luther Harden Garretson 1923-1999.

Today is the day to honor those proud men and women who stood for our country to protect our freedom. And I also believe today is the day to say thank you to those in our military who continue to protect us. My heart swells with pride as I look at this young man who is my nephew, Jacob (Jake) Garretson. I was honored to attend his graduation from Parris Island as a United States Marine just a year ago last week. 

I know his Papaw Luke would be very proud of him for serving his country. Here is one of my favorite photos of Daddy and Jake. Daddy was teasing him and asking him if his nails needed clipped and Jake stuck his foot up to the clippers Dad had been working with. He must have really trusted his Papaw.

One of my favorite military quotes actually comes from the movie A Few Good Men. It is when Commander Jo Galloway says: 

"Because they stand on a wall and say, "Nothing's going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch."

Happy Veteran's Day