The Greatest Generation

Happy Birthday, Pop!!! 

He was born May 8, 1917 in a small town in the middle of the fields of Illinois.  Today he is 93 years old and is officially the oldest living male in his family in the last 200 years or so.  He can still out think and remember more than all of his children.  He is still one of the greatest sources of knowledge I know.

Yet, he postponed finishing high school for many years to help support his family after the death of his father. As a teenager he traveled with the CCC's working to help preserve our country while his earnings were sent home to his mother.

I propose to create a Civilian Conservation Corps to be used in simple work, not interfering with normal employment, and confining itself to forestry, the prevention of soil erosion, flood control, and similar projects. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt March 21, 1933

In World War II, he joined the Army and was in the second wave at Normandy to fight for our country.

He married the most wonderful woman in the world. They shared 67 years of marriage, still sparkled when they saw each other and were the best example of what a marriage should be that I have ever seen. They were blessed with 8 children - 6 boys and 2 girls and then 20 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

But, my baby sister and I remain his angels to this day.

He worked hard all his life to take care of us and he loved us more than we knew. He is my father, my Pop and I love and admire him more than words can express. 

What a success your life has been, Pop.

That man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

You have lived well, laughed very often and loved beyond compare. You are respected by more than we can count and loved by all who ever had the privilege to know you.  Without any doubt, you have made the world a better place and simply put, you are the best.  I am so glad and so proud to be your daughter and so grateful to have been your first little girl.