My sister, Pam, is nine years younger than me. Her daughter (my sweet niece), Sarah, is in the fourth grade. They celebrate Veteran's Day by inviting relatives who serve/served in the military. Sarah invited my dad.
Sarah also needs photos of him in the service, which will be on display on Veteran's Day. We scanned a number of photos and then found out, she only needs ONE 5 x 7. It didn't matter. We had fun going through all the photos.
I love looking at photos of my dad. He's so handsome. Everyone always said he looked like Paul Newman. His eyes are a wonderful blue, just like Paul's. Not only is he handsome, but he's very sweet, with never a bad thing to say about anyone. Plus, he's very smart. He's always enjoyed learning new things. As if that isn't enough, he has a great sense of humor. Not everybody gets to see that side of him since he's pretty reserved til he gets to know you. Can you tell I'm an unapologetic Daddy's Girl?
He served in the navy from 1950 to 1954. Most of that time ('51 to '54) he was going around the world on the USS Valley Forge, an Essex class aircraft carrier.
His home port was San Diego for most of that time. That's where he trained and went to electrician's school. He cruised the Pacific for several years going to Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Hawaii, and more.
During the last year on the Valley Forge, his home port was changed to Norfolk, VA. During that time he saw the Panama Canal, and places around the Carribean, like Cuba (before Castro), and Haiti.
One of his favorite stops was in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Valley Forge was the first man-of-war ship to ever pull in there. People were lined up for miles to tour the ship. The guys could choose people to bring on board, so naturally, most of them were looking for pretty girls. Dad says the whole town was real friendly.
This is one of my favorite Navy days photos. He looks so happy and carefree.
Of course, this was in the day before helmets had their due respect.
Of course, this was in the day before helmets had their due respect.
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| Somewhere in Japan |
He served in the navy from 1950 to 1954. Most of that time ('51 to '54) he was going around the world on the USS Valley Forge, an Essex class aircraft carrier.
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| This is NOT a favorite photo. He's far more handsome, especially when he smiles. |
His home port was San Diego for most of that time. That's where he trained and went to electrician's school. He cruised the Pacific for several years going to Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Hawaii, and more.
During the last year on the Valley Forge, his home port was changed to Norfolk, VA. During that time he saw the Panama Canal, and places around the Carribean, like Cuba (before Castro), and Haiti.
One of his favorite stops was in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Valley Forge was the first man-of-war ship to ever pull in there. People were lined up for miles to tour the ship. The guys could choose people to bring on board, so naturally, most of them were looking for pretty girls. Dad says the whole town was real friendly.
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| Somewhere in Japan, near Mt Fuji. |
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| Again, somewhere in Japan. |
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| April '53 - Not sure where. Probably Japan. But may be somewhere in Mexico. |
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| Taken on board the ship - USS Valley Forge |
Party Time - Party Time - Party Time - Party Time - Party Time - Party Time - Party Time - Party Time - Party Time - Party Time
There are a few more days left for the OCTOBER Porch and Garden Party.
It's the last one for 2010!
My new party starts Monday, November 1st.
