I'm not really a reenactor, but Erin and I (Pat) dance the Lindy Hop, so we've spent some money on replica clothing and dress the part. Here we are in Westminster, MD at a hangar dance.

While there, I got to meet Dulias Gottfried.

I've met many WWII vets and children of vets at these types of events. They are always enjoyable to attend.

My interest in WWII began when I was in high school and I've studied a lot about the war in Europe, both US and German, but there is always more to learn. Thankfully, Erin and I visited Europe 3 years ago, rented and RV, and drove from Normandy to Berchtesgaden, visiting many important war sites along the way. She was a good sport, even though she got tired of seeing bunkers in Normandy. But, I spent the most time in one spot there, as I was really drawn to the area. We met some others from the US at the Luxembourg cemetery who grew up just a few miles north of where I was born (small world). We hiked the Kall Trail in the Huertgen Forest. We camped on the ground of site of the Nuremberg Rally. The snow wasn't cleared from the Eagle's Nest in time, however, when we were there. It was an awesome 2 weeks. We did it alone (no tour guides) and many of the sights we saw were based on memory over the years of study.

Link to my post on Geo. Jackson 326th AEB

Jim H, thanks for the smiles. This is the best!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=P9Fyey4D5hg

Just curious about how the rest of you folks are getting along with Jack Frost this year. I was quite surprised today when the Weather Channel announced that it was snowing in 49 of the 50 states...that's got to be a first! As I know that many of our members here are in their 80's I hope you have grand kids or a kind neighbor who is taking care of the snow shoveling and de-icing of your sidewalks and driveways for you. If ever there was a great opportunity to say thank you to our aging and/or disabled Vets this is it!

To quote Johnny Winter "Every now and then I know it's kinda hard to tell,but I'm still Alive and Well". I have had some health issues. Last summer they found an "anomoly" in my right breast. I have since had 3 Mammograms on that side as well as 3 ultrasounds. There is no change in it, so I will just have to have twice annual mammograms for the rest of my life. I then developed a mystery cut on top of my bunion that would not heal. The doctor discovered that I had a sharp bone spur that cut through my skin. I had to stop working out because the bone kept cutting through the foot.I was scheduled for foot surgery, but my blood pressure shot up (probably because I couldn't work out). That took a few weeks to clear up. I had the bone in the foot ground down the first week of December and that is doing really well. I have had the famous three week respiratory thing that is going around.

Between the mammograms and multiple foot xrays, I no longer need a night light....

Presidential Memorial Certificates

Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased Veterans.

http://www.cem.va.gov/pmc.asp

Thanks to Jim H for the link!