2009 the daily post - photo journal

05.25.09 = HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! Today's post is of one of my peony blooms just on verge of opening. The peony has always been a traditional gravesite flower here in the States for Memorial Day. My GG Grandfather, John L. Dunlap, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was a farmer and Union soldier from Illinois and fought for more than 3 years in many battles through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Missouri. My parents have his original discharge along with his photograph framed and hanging in their home. I remember staring at the photograph as kid and wondering about him. Several years ago, my father and I started on our genealogy journey. A process that is very rewarding and frustrating at the same time. In 2007, 100 years after John L. Dunlap's death, my father had a stone marker made and placed on his grave, in recognition of his service in the Civil War. It's never too late to thank those who have sacrificed and served for our freedom. So Thank You to all service men and woman out there, past, present and future. We remember.

peonyflowerbloomshirley temple peony