Memorial Day - May 29, 2017

Bluebirds on fenceposts                                         Becky Rader

Today marks a day of remembrance for those that have fought for our country, whether in action of wars and conflicts or by serving in a branch of the military. I visited Restland Cemetery today and placed American flags on my grandfather's grave, as mother always did.

I remember and honor my family members who have served. 

My late husband was in the Infantry, Cpt. Lester D. Rader, III, Airborne Ranger. Lester loved the military life and served his country well, giving it his all. He was stationed at Ft. Hood after graduating college. I remember Killeen well, all the speed traps too. He went to Ft. Bragg for winter Ranger school and returned as a Ranger, with walking pneumonia. Proud of his accomplishment! The entire 3/41 Battalion was sent to West Germany to a new base, Clay Kaserne near Osterholtz-Scharmbeck. I followed a year later. He, and others in the Battalion, were transferred to Baumholder, where we lived in NATO housing in Birkenfeld, near the base. It was great to live among others serving from so many different countries. After serving overseas, we were sent to Ft. Benning, GA., Home of the Infantry. It was at Martin Army Hospital that our son was born.

My husband's father was KIA in Korea, Lester D. Rader, Jr. His father never saw his son and yet I know he would have been proud.

My husband had several of his family members serve, including an uncle and several cousins.

My father served in WWII and in the Korean War, Melvin Howe. After WWII service in France and Germany he came back to Texas and completed his degree at SMU, thanks to the G.I. Bill, where he met my mother. He had stayed in the reserves and was called back in for the Korean war. My father never spoke of either war until I married Lester and we were stationed in Germany. My parents came to visit and I learned much about my father's time spent there. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service.

My father's dad, George Howe served in WWI in the Infantry. Other than that I do not know much. He never talked about it that I can remember. He was a great man who made his own way.

My mother's dad, Dr. A. W. Brazda, served in both WWI, in the Army, and WWII, in the Air Force. There was a need for medical professionals during WWII, so my grandfather re-upped and was sent in, he was in his 40's. He was one of the first surgeons to land on the beaches during the Normandy invasion. He stayed in the reserves after the war and had just retired right before his unexpected death.

These are the memories I have of the service that my family gave to our country. Some gave their lives and all served their country well.

May your day be one of remembrance and gratitude.