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From the Battle of New Orleans to World War II within 24 hours! We are in need of a Happy Day tomorrow! We have toured the Chalmette Battlefield from the war of 1812 called the Battle of New Orleans (1815). This was America's victory of "the last battle of the last war ever fought between England and the United States" and was a major stepping stone in General Andrew Jackson's journey to the White House. We walked the Chalmette National Cemetery of 1864, established for Union soldiers killed in Louisiana during the Civil War (1861-1865) and found their Unknown Soldier. Today we spent the entire day at the National WWII Museum. World War Two is considered to be "The War That Changed The World" and the museum was above expectation. The 4D film, Beyond All Boundaries, (featuring Tom Hanks), resembled his work in Band of Brothers and The Pacific. The entire day was sadly fascinating, physically draining, and emotionally gruelling!
A highlight for us was meeting several veterans who volunteer at the museum. John told us personal stories and showed us pictures from his own albums. He had enlisted at the age of 17, with his mother's signature, so that he could be in the Navy. Those who were drafted were sent wherever men were most needed at the time of their draft. John even dug deep in his pocket and found a Canadian quarter, which he gave to Eli to buy a soda.
Bert, age 92, was in Pearl Harbour when the Japanese attacked Oahu, Hawaii. Amazingly, he was also on the battleship Missouri, in the Tokyo harbour, when the Japanese forces signed "unconditional" surrender terms with Gen. MacArthur. Bert gets up between 03:30 and 04:00 every morning and "jogs" 3 miles. Some days he comes home and rides his bike for another ½ hour before he begins his day of volunteering! A formidable man.
As we go to sleep on our soft beds, in our dry, warm, little home, we cannot help but thank God for the world as we know it, that so many men and women fought, suffered and died for. May we never forget, or take for granted the value of today.
In contrast to the death and destruction of the day, we had the pleasant surprise of a familiar face from Fort St. John while we were waiting in line at the museum theatre. Lex and Jodi Neufeld are in New Orleans on business and seeing a few sights before they go home. Lex and Tim have done a lot of business together in Fort St. John and were both very surprised to see each other.
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Betty Kornelsen Sounds amazing!! You guys never cease to amaze me with all of the people that you know and run inot.
Grama-Belle So exciting has your life been on this amazing journey!! I love reading yur Blogs. You do fabulous job Roz..Even meeting folk you know well from your Home town, (mine too Ha: Ha.)
Sylvie wow that is so amazing that you got to spend time with a Veteran like that... Your kids are truly lucky, I hope they appreciate how much you are giving them... And I am sure they do... having great parents like you I am sure they know... Glad you are having fun! love you xo