Comments on: GRANPA SHERM

By: CateS

CateS — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:11:29 +0000

Thanks for sharing..

By: Mary Preston

Mary Preston — Tue, 29 May 2012 07:45:55 +0000

Like Helen I am Australian. So, it’s ANZAC DAY and then of course we all take a moment for REMEMBRANCE DAY.

I think DIGGERS refers to the practice of digging trenches during the war.

By: Anna Campbell

Anna Campbell — Tue, 29 May 2012 01:55:28 +0000

Suz, the really sad thing is he made such a commitment to being in Australia that he apparently never spoke of his experience or his Danish heritage. Always sad I never got a chance to talk to him about it and of course, he never told his kids any of the stories either. So much amazing history – he would have been a sailor in the days of the fast clipper ships between Australia and Scandinavia too. Those beautiful wooden sailing ships with the high masts. Often wonder if I get my wanderlust from him. Nobody else in the family was much of a traveller.

By: Louisa

Louisa — Tue, 29 May 2012 01:16:39 +0000

What a lovely tribute, Suzanne! Your grandfather was truly a great patriarch!

I always remember my Dad on Memorial Day. He’s been gone fourteen years, but I miss him every day. He also lied about his age to join the Army. He was seventeen when he went to war in Korea. He served six years in the Army and twenty-one years in the Air Force. He ran our house like a boot camp and I can still make a bed you can bounce a quarter on. But he is also the guy who married my Mom after one date and bought her a ring every Christmas. He taught us nothing in life is free – someone always pays. Thanks to all of the veterans who have paid so much for our freedom.

By: Mozette

Mozette — Tue, 29 May 2012 01:04:58 +0000

I’ll try again… I hit tab and posted by accident.

Like I was saying: ANZAC Day represents the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp who went to war in WWI and WWII; and throughout the other wars as well (like Vietnam and Korea and the more recent ones as well). This day is on 25th, March on each year.

Then, we have Rememberance Day on 11, November at 11am. This is where all Australians stop exactly what they’re doing at 11am and remember for one whole minute the sacrifice our soldiers – past and present – have done and are doing to protect our country from war coming to our shores. Here’s a link to a better explanation:

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/australia/remembrance-day

Even though the one in November isn’t a public holiday, it’s one that is strongly remembered by everyone around our country.

By: Nancy Northcott

Nancy Northcott — Tue, 29 May 2012 00:59:21 +0000

Suz, Happy Memorial Day! What a great story.

On this holiday, I think of my parents, who were both in the Navy during WWII, and of my uncles who served in the Navy and the Army.

My dad became a hospital corpsman and went to Korea with a Marine unit. His status as an ex-POW would’ve exempted him, but he chose not to invoke it.

By: Mozette

Mozette — Tue, 29 May 2012 00:58:13 +0000

Who comes to your mind on Memorial Day? Does your country have a day to remember not only veterans, but those we love and miss?

In Australia, we have ANZAC Day – ANZAC

By: Suzanne Ferrell

Suzanne Ferrell — Tue, 29 May 2012 00:22:27 +0000

Hey Donna!

He lied about his age to get into the army and fight in WWII.

You know I’ve heard quite a few young men did this during WWII. They were so passionate and anxious to defend their country.

By: Suzanne Ferrell

Suzanne Ferrell — Tue, 29 May 2012 00:12:35 +0000

Hey Kate!

Yes, I’d say you were his lucky charm! And I bet he was happy every day as your father!!!

By: Suzanne Ferrell

Suzanne Ferrell — Tue, 29 May 2012 00:06:57 +0000

Hey Anna C!

he was a Danish sailor who had been everywhere, including Russia before the Revolution and South Africa as they were opening up the gold and diamond mines.

Wow!! Think of all the stories and insight into history you could’ve gotten from him!!