Picture of the Day

Another amazing man. Another incredible story. Another friend for Kyle.
The plaque above them reads:

Yesterday is History
Tomorrow is a Mystery
Today is a Gift
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Very suiting for this man's life.

Who is Worth Remembering

The title for Kyle's presentation was Who is Worth Remembering. I am in complete awe of my son. Since he was a little toddler there was something about him that was unique, as each child is in their own way. Kyle has a gift and that gift is his passion for History, specifically  military history and Veterans, and he loves to do public speaking.
This does not come from me. It is definitely a Bill trait. I am so fortunate to have Bill as my husband to coach Kyle and help guide him down this path. I try to make every opportunity possible to him in regards to his desire to follow this journey.I take down the directions, drive him where he needs to be, take pictures, proofread writings, and time speeches and, take care of the busy work. These thoughts and ideas that he brings me that are the beginnings of his stories are him. 100% Kyle.
The thing I love is that he is able to tell people he is home schooled. It makes me so happy for people to see what the product of a home education really is. What it does for kids who are able to follow their passions and really take them to the next level. He is in no way restricted in what he wants to learn about and what skills he wishes to take up. I truly believe that is a major factor in his ability to give a presentation to hundreds of people and have them riveted in their seats. He has worked so hard. He had the time and the desire to follow his passion and today it took him far.
Kyle, you are so very welcome for "all those pictures". I have enjoyed every minute of this project with you. I love the talks in the car, the chats we have about your Veteran friends, listening to you rehearse, and most importantly being your mom.

A Fine Soldier

This whole project got started from Mr Walsh. He told the story of a man that he had to leave behind in battle calling for help. Kyle was so moved by this story that while Frank was crying while telling it Kyle was patting his hand in comfort. When we came home Kyle wrote the story down not wanting to forget anything. The stories are still being collected. Each one is just as important and priceless to our country's history.


Frank passed away yesterday. Please remember the veterans of our country.

~Margot & Kyle

Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge

Kyle and Chapter President Mr. Richard Wheeler
Mr. Wheeler and his wife have been so gracious and
helpful to getting us registered and becoming a part
of the group.





Kyle and I attended the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge (VBOB) meeting on Wednesday. The guest speaker was a Colonel from the National Guard who spoke about his experience joining the Guard and being a part of the Guard going on 30 years. He spoke of his experience in Afghanistan 2 years ago and the support the guard gives to the active military. It was very interesting to hear how much support is needed to keep things running smoothly.


Kyle presented his home schooling project to the group. He is working on making a book for the Chapter containing all of the members and their history. Bill and I worked with him to compile questions which he handed out to everyone. He was very organized and had practiced at home getting tips on public speaking from his Dad who is a pro in this department! They made note cards and rehearsed and I am proud to say he did a fantastic job! He explained what he was working on and what information he needed. He passed out his questions and gave his contact information. He has set a goal for completing the project by June. He wants to included as many people as possible including his great grandfather.


Many of the members came up to him after the meeting and told them they had stories to share. Some thanked him for doing the project. He was elated when we left, "that was so fun mom", he told me when we were leaving.


Frank Walsh was being interviewed by another man who collects and compiles stories of veterans. We were able to sit with them and hear stories and look at pictures of Frank and his platoon. I gave Frank Kyle's paper where we wrote up the story that Frank shared at the last meeting. It will be "graded" for accuracy! Frank had some treats for Kyle a cool tank patch, a copy of a prayer by General Patton and an address by Patton to his troops.




One of the main parts of the meeting was a discussion regarding the group writing their own Chapter bylaws. What a great thing for Kyle to read and learn about. He received a copy that we can read and go over with him which will help him learn the fundamentals of how organizations operate locally and nationally.


I amazes me each time we go what an incredible experience this is for him. And he truly appreciates it. He soaks everything up like a sponge and enjoys all of it. We are so grateful for the welcome we have received and the opportunity to be a part of such a special group.




Kyle and Frank Walsh. Frank shared stories and
pictures.







Frank has an incredible memory and is able to remember
details. He knows the name of everyone in his pictures down
to the spelling of their names.




I apologize for not knowing this gentlemans name
but he shared information with Kyle and they talked
about pictures.







Some of Frank's pictures, he was a handsome
guy! Still is!

Battle of the Bulge Remembrance Breakfast

Robert Mollenauer 1921-2000


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.