With Memorial Day just passing, it is a good time to remember those veterans that have fought bravely for our country, and those that are doing so today. In this day and age, almost everyone knows someone that has been a soldier for our country. My grandfather was a medic during WWII and earned a purple heart as a paratrooper on D-Day in Normandy. I am very proud of that heritage of mine, and am grateful for his service. I currently have a cousin that is serving in the Army and has had several tours in the middle east. I’m proud of his service as well. Whether it is past or present, creating a scrapbook page for your heritage album to honor a soldier in your family is a great idea.
For ancestors that have already passed away, gather as much information as possible about their service. In my case, I spoke with my grandmother who is still alive, and also have looked through her things that she saved from that time period including letters, and other memorabilia. Make sure to include the ranks that they held, dates of service, and any combat or interesting stories from that time period. The more information you can gather, the more meaningful the page. Scrapbooking a picture of the soldier in their uniform is ideal for a page like this.
If it is a soldier in your family that is still alive and currently serving in the armed forces today, try to find a time to sit down with them. Ask them questions about why they joined the military, what has been the hardest part of their sacrifice, and what is the most rewarding? Include journaling on the page with their answers. Also make sure to include important facts like the rank they hold and where they have served and are currently serving.
Many times, the families of these soldiers make huge sacrifices as well. Military wives have to do much on their own while their husband is serving. Sometimes, children are born while the husband is away. Make sure to include the sacrifice of these brave spouses as well when creating either a page or an album about military service.
Patriotism is the backbone of these men and women that serve. Honor their scrapbook page or album by doing a red, white, and blue theme. Use flags, or other patriotic themed embellishments to help honor their service.
We all benefit for the countless hours that military men and women serve our country. A nice touch to any page or album would be to add your thoughts on why you are grateful for their service.
Meredith Ethington is the author of this blog. To learn more about Meredith, and her history with Scrapbooking and Genealogy, go here.
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