Sunday, May 27, 2012

A Setting for America

In case you missed this post on Memorial Day 2011, I am re-posting..  Enjoy your barbeques, parties, and celebrations!  Say a prayer for our troops, for if it wasn't for them, there would be no celebrations.  Read to the end for an update and a moving tribute from Cammie to her Mom!!

There have been many movies based on the Vietnam War.  A lot of us were touched by this and other wars in a personal way, and so it is with the movie We Were Soldiers.  This movie was based on the first major engagement of the Vietnam War, documented in the book We Were Soldiers Once...and Young by Lieutenant Gen. (Ret.) Hal Moore and reporter Joe Galloway.  It depicts the Battle of la Drang, in which 450 U.S. soldiers from the U.S. 7th Air Cavalry were dropped in the la Drang Valley to attack enemy North Vietnamese and are surrounded by 2000 enemy soldiers in what would become the worst battle of the Vietnam War.  Mel Gibson stars as Lt. Hal Moore and Chris Klein stars as John Lance "Jack" Geoghegan, a young infantry lieutenant who was killed during the battle while tending to a wounded fellow soldier, Willie Godboldt.  Jack Geoghegan, age 24 at the time of his death, was the only son of John & Camille D. Geoghegan.  He married Barbara Weathers on June 13, 1964 and his daughter, Camille Ann (Cammie), was born the following June, 1965.   Tragically, Cammie was only five months old at the time of her father's death.  Cammie is my next door neighbor and a dear friend.

Barbara, Jack, and Cammie Geoghegan, 1965
Lt. Geoghegan and Lt. Moore, portrayed by Chris Klein and Mel Gibson, talk and pray together before their deployment to Vietnam.  Geoghegan (Klein) wears a baby bracelet with the name of his daughter, Camille, on it.
Cammie and her Dad.

We Were Soldiers is a tribute to the loving fathers, brothers, and sons who sacrificed their lives that day and reflects their loyalty, valor, and love for one another while under fire.  I was invited by Cammie to view the premier of the movie in our hometown.  It was a very emotional experience for me, and it's hard to explain the feelings of loss I felt for my friend.  Fortunately, her mother, Barbara, went on to remarry John Johns, a devoted stepfather who honored Jack's memory.  Johns was also a military man, and became a Brigadier General in 1975.  I have had the pleasure of getting to know Cammie's mother, stepfather, and her sister and brother.  They are an amazing, loving family.
Barbara, with Cammie's two girls--Stephanie and Julie.

Cammie's mother is portrayed by Keri Russell.

Cammie, with her husband, Ray Olson, their two girls--Julie and Stephanie, and their dog, Reesie.

A beautiful oil painting of Cammie's paternal grandmother hangs in her dining room.  I can see the family resemblance.

Also in Cammie's dining room, a curio cabinet holds precious photos and memorabilia.  Her dad's picture is on the center right.
Her lovely dining room has a mirrored wall that makes the room so classy, and I love her gorgeous chandelier.

Another view...
So I just would like to say Thank You to all those who have served, are serving, and the families that have given their loved ones to protect our country and freedoms.
Feel free to sing along!  'And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died

who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up, next to you,

and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land!
God bless the
USA!!'

My own father served in World War II, as Chief Petty Officer in the navy.  Although he didn't speak much about his experience, I know that he was loyal to his country, and would have made the navy his career, if my mother would have agreed.  She did not want to leave her family, so he left the navy and they were married.

To read more about Cammie's dad, click here and read her mother's personal story.

A few years back, Cammie journeyed to Vietnam with other sons and daughters who had lost loved ones.  Read about their journey here.

If you haven't seen the movie We Were Soldiers, take some time to watch it.  You'll be glad you did.  Make sure you have tissues nearby!  :)  Thanks for visiting, I always appreciate your kind comments!!

UPDATE!!

Take the time to read Cammie's  tribute to her mom on the Sons and Daughters in Touch website by clicking here!!



16 comments:

  1. You couldn't have posted anything more beautiful to honor such great, wonderful and exceptional country, as is the USA and for all the love you displayed in this awesome post, as you have your own American hero in your dad! I am going to get this movie for the weekend, I just made a note. Your tablescape is gorgeous, the plates are fabulous! I love the centerpieces, very artistic and the runner brings everythig together beautifully!! I am going to enter and read more about Cammie and thank you for sharing. I'm also at TT, BNOTP honoring Old Glory. Have a great 4th. of July and God bless. FABBY

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  2. I wonderful post.. Loved your sentiments and the table is so perfect. Happy Fourth, many blessings, marlis

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  3. I loved this post the first time and I love it more now. thank you for sharing such a kind story of your friend, Cammie, mother and her heroic father. I never heard from her regarding the article on gen. Moore, but I still have it if she ever would like to have it.
    Susan

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  4. What a wonderful post. The tablescape is perfect! Happy 4th! Come by when you get a chance!

    Back Porch Blessings,
    Rebecca

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  5. what a wonderful post. I just loved it! Happy 4th and thank you for the words of my favorite patriotic song!

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  6. I loved this post the first time and will never get tired of reading it. Just perfect! Happy 4th!

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  7. Hi lovely lady.
    This is a wonderful post for the 4th of July sweet lady. I also love your Beautiful Tablescapes you did a Great job putting the table together. Thanks so much for your lovely comments on my Tablescape. I hope you and your lovely family have a Great 4th.
    XXOO Diane

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  8. What a wonderful post honoring our freedom and the men that do the honor of defending it. Never can enough be said for all they do , but this post comes real close. Such a touching story of Cammie going to Vietnam. Thanks for sharing this with us and your tablescape is just lovely for the 4th! Have a great weekend and thanks for linking it to Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  9. Great post and wonderful table setting. Love it all. Thank you for honoring all of our folks who have served and are serving in our armed forces.
    Thank you also for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  10. Wonderful post and story! Love your table setting too! Where did you get the napkin rings, they are so cute!!!! XO, Pinky

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  11. What a wonderful, touching post! I must watch We Were Soldiers.

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  12. The setting has a classic touch! like it guys

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  13. Such a beautiful setting! Can't say anything but "WOW!" You always made my day complete just by seeing those tablescape from your blog. Can't remember when I watched this movie but this is awesome. Very inspiring!

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  14. I was touched by the story. And the stories of thousands upon thousands who were affected by man’s wars. Most heart breaking.

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