YTB Travel Chronicles

Last year, we had the privilege of visiting our Nation’s Capital for the Memorial Day Holiday.  Please read “Washington DC At Last,” posted, below.  This year, we attended the Memorial Day parade and ceremony at our home in Sarasota, Florida. 

 It was a mild and breezy spring day.  The parade was extra long, this year.  We Americans feel deeply about our sons and daughters who are serving “down range, in the desert.”   My wife, Jean, and I hardly spoke a word as we bicycled up town; as we saluted and waved to our friends and neighbors who participated in the parade; or, during the Memorial Ceremony, itself.  We still carry a large measure of tension from the year, during which, our son, Captain Peter Mousseau, served in Bagdad with the 22nd Signal Brigade.  Peter came home.  He’s a civilian, now.  He and our daughter-in-law are back in Florida with our 3 Grandchildren.  He’s living an every day life - just being a good citizen: working, Little League with our Grandson, back yard barbecues.  Peter doesn’t take life for granted.  Neither do we. 

Today was not about the politics of the US involvement in Iraq or Afghanistan.  It was not about Democrats or Republicans.  It was about our kids - our bright, dedicated, and courageous kids.    

After the ceremonies, I called my Father-in-law, John, to thank him for his WWII service.   All he could say was: “We have 3 generations of servicemen in our family, now.”  ”Will your Grandson make it 4?”  All I could say was, “I hope not.”    

I have included 2 photos with this Blog Post.  One is from Arlington National Cemetery from last year.  The other photo is from the American Military Cemetery in Henri Chappelle, Belgium.   We visited there 2 years ago.  7,000 brave Americans from the Battle of the Bulge are interred there. 

Gary Mousseau lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife of 37 years, Jean.  Gary recently left his 26-year career as a Registered Nurse to pursue his passion as a Home-Based Internet Entrepreneur in the YTB Travel Network Phone: (941) 957-0008    E-mail:  MousseauTravel@aol.com