I know that my uncles Bobby and Dave will enjoy this as will my mom, I need to give some of the background for the rest of you.
Back in September my mom brought Kyle an article from the Columbus Dispatch about the WWII veterans from the Battle of the Bulge. The veterans are concerned that as they get older their organization will die when they do, or they can recruit new members. Sometime in the middle of October, Kyle and I were talking and he said he thought he wanted to join the group that was in the newspaper. I had no idea what he was talking about! He got the article for me and we read it together. Being the history buff that he is especially about WWII, I have been wanting to find a way for him to talk with Vets and hear their stories. Kyle is an excellent story teller himself and he appreciates hearing others. He has a deep passion and respect for the military and all that served in the past or the present. It is more than just boys wanting to "play war". He reads everything he can get his hands on about strategy, leaders, relationships, geography, politics, weapons, true experience stories, and the tragedy.
I immediately got on line and found the nearest Battle of the Bulge Veterans chapter. The closest one to us was only 30 minutes away in Westerville. I emailed the contact and he responded right away that Kyle was more than welcome to attend their meetings. Kyle filled out his application and joined in honor of his Great-Grandfather, my Grandpa, Robert Mollenauer. My Grandpa would have loved all of this! He loved History as well and to think what stories he could have shared with Kyle would have been just incredible. Kyle is in awe that someone in our family served in this battle that he is so interested in.
Kyle (almost 3) with his Great Grandpa July 1999
We attended our first meeting in November. We had lunch and talked with vets and heard a very interesting talk about the WWII Museum that is located in New Orleans. They are in the process of major fundraising to add to the museum, which is the only one in the United States that is dedicated solely to WWII. Kyle and I whispered to each other that we were going to have to figure out how to make that a field trip for him, soon!
We had a great first meeting and met some wonderful men. The men were tickled to see a 12 year old boy at their meeting, taking such an interest in what they did for their country. The speaker from the museum came right up to Kyle, identified him right away as a homeschooler (it was a Wednesday afternoon!) and offered him all her book and DVD resources to borrow. Kyle took the military book that his Aunt Cyndi compiled for him about all the men in our families that have served in the military. We were able to share this with one gentlemen that gave us some suggestions about finding more information about my Grandpa and where exactly he was during the battle, we are still working on that!
Our December meeting was held the Saturday before Christmas and was a
remembrance breakfast. Bill was able to join us which was nice for Kyle to have his parents to himself! The meeting was mainly social but was started with a reading that I want to share with the pictures. I am not sure who to give credit to, if it was one of the officers of the meeting or if they found this somewhere, but it was a
very moving tribute.
The Remembrance Table
The Remembrance Ceremony
December 20, 2008
As you entered the room, you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession or arms are missing from our midst. We call them "Brothers". They are unable to be with us this morning and so we remember them.
This table set for one is small - Symbolizing the frailty of one.
REMEMBER
The tablecloth is white - Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.
REMEMBER
The Single Red Rose - displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith.
REMEMBER
The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination.
REMEMBER
The White Candle, the candle is lit - Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit.
REMEMBER
The Red Candle, the candle is lit - For those who have passed on since the Battle of the Bulge of 1944.
REMEMBER
A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.
REMEMBER
There is Salt upon the bread plate - Symbolic of the families tears.
REMEMBER
The Glass is inverted - They cannot toast with us this day.
REMEMBER
The Chair is empty. They are not here.
REMEMBER
REMEMBER - All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied
upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you.
REMEMBER
Kyle and Mr. Frank Walsh
It was so well done, with such meaning. When we were done eating, one of the veterans, Mr. Frank Walsh, shared his story from the battle. It was a very emotional and moving speech. He remembers the details vividly, as if it were yesterday not 64 years ago. His daughter sat next to him wiping her tears, as he mourned for his lost comrades. To be able to serve in this battle was an act of bravery, to share your feelings and stories so openly is another huge act of bravery. Kyle was very touched by his story, his sacrifice, and his heroism.
I know this is blurry but I love the smile Frank has,
he is a remarkable man.
My Grandpa was there, I am sure he was looking down on his young great-grandson and so proud of him. There in his honor, on his own desire to be a part of this group.
