Reminded that the bells toll today in the US and other parts of the world for the men and women who died to protect our freedom, I remembered the military men in our family. Kat had posted many of their photos in the photo album of the Bourgeois Family Tree at www.ancestry.com, so I got busy printing and collaging this morning to share them with you here. We are aware of service as early as the Civil War, but this collage represents WWI, WWII, the Korean War and service during occupation. You will also note men in the Army, Navy and Air Force. In the top right hand corner, you will find a photo of Grandpa Bohland where Grandma had written on the back "My Hero". Our family heroes starting from top left to right are: Uncle Bud Emme, Grandpa Ed Emme, Grandpa Hubert Bohland with friends, Grandpa Hubert Bohland, Uncle Ray Druss, my Dad-Larry Bourgeois, Uncle Jim Emme, Uncle Bud and Uncle Jim again. That ship took Dad to the UK and the guy in the middle in front of the American Flag is Stew and Eric's Bruno. He was too cute and way too patriotic not to be shared with you today. So today we celebrate HEROES everywhere-Happy Memorial Day!
Living in the Midi-Pyrenees region of France, I am constantly reminded of the history of conflict in this place. I've heard that the Gestapo occupied the Château during WWII, and the French Resistance was strong in the region. I don't now if the barn had any role in these conflicts, but it looks like it could have been a good place to hide or come in for shelter from a storm on the road.
We are lucky to have so many beautiful old photos of our family-military or not. Kat has worked hard to put them on the Ancestry.com site and we all try to add photos and stories from time to time. Charlotte Gray is such a beautiful film...I especially love that parts of it are set here in the valley and even in Cajarc. I don't know how many times I've seen it-a bunch for sure-maybe it's time to buy the DVD so I have it on hand for special occasions and visitors! Happy Memorial Day Once More-
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | June 01, 2010 at 06:05 AM
I love that movie - Charlotte Gray...
Posted by: JN | June 01, 2010 at 12:03 AM
The photo collage is amazing, Laury. Don't they all just look so handsome and so young? Bruno is a nice touch! Looks like you got all the dead vines stripped off the barn doors. You'll have to watch "Charlotte Gray" in honor of Memorial Day in the Lot!
Posted by: Evelyn | May 31, 2010 at 03:19 PM
Great pictures Laury...Bruno is amidst an honorable group of men!
Posted by: Eric | May 31, 2010 at 01:48 PM
Amazing photos Laury... Oh the barn most probably did play a part.. even if just for sheltering :-)
Posted by: anne | May 31, 2010 at 12:40 PM
The family resemblance in those photos is amazing - all the way from your grandpa to you. And did you notice the name of the ship - Alexander M Patch - it's the same General as Patch Barracks, Patch Elementary and Patch High.... amazing....
Posted by: JN | May 31, 2010 at 12:24 PM