D-Day 65 years later

We went to the Pony Express Celebration yesterday in Eagle Mountain. We first took Jami and the grand kids to the carnival, I have a post right before this one with pictures on them. After the kids went home, we went to the Pony Express Concert, A Tribute To The Troops. Since this was a celebration to the troops, it made me remember those in my life who have given so much for us to be free. Starting with my loving husband, who joined the Army after his mission and serving for 16 years. He fought in the first Iraqi war, and served in communications. He also served with an elite military singing troupe, who performed all over the United States. This troop once performed at the Kennedy Center for President Reagan, which was the highlight of his military career. One of the solos he performed was, "God Bless The USA" This performance brought tears to President Reagan's eyes. Lani retired from the Military in 1992, as a Staff Sergeant. During his service he received an Air Assault Badge, 5 Army Achievement Medals, 5 Good Conduct Medals, an Army Commendation Medal, Several Overseas Ribbons, and had his Excellent Marksmanship badge all 16 years he was in.
My husband on our wedding day.

My Dad fought in World War II, and he received two purple hearts. He fought in Germany and was shot out of a tank. I remember seeing all the scars on his body from the wounds he received from the tank explosion. Until the day he died, he was still picking shrapnel (little pieces of metal left behind by the explosion) out of his arms and legs. He was only 18 when he was drafted and he also served in the Army. He would not talk much about the war, and when he did it would often bring tears to his eyes. I also had my mother's brother, Uncle Wayne Zufelt, who served in World War II, he was in Pearl Harbor in the Navy the day Japan attacked. He was on one ship, when it was hit he jumped off and swam to another ship. It was then hit, and he jumped off and swam to shore. While on shore, he was running for cover when the only injury he received was his toe was shot off. These men gave so much for us to be free, for us to have freedoms we often take for granted. I am eternally grateful for their service, they gave their youth to us, and their health, and some gave their lives. such as my Dad's cousin Barney, who died in Europe in World War II, he was his parent's only child.
My Dad, Oris Ed Alsbrooks

Headlining the concert was one of my favorite country singers, Daryl Worley. He is the tall country singer who sings so many patriotic songs. Appearing with him was Josh Gracin, maybe you remember him from "American Idol" and he has had some number one country hits too. Before the concert, two parachuters jumped from a helicopter and then landed right in the crowd. The second parachuter, was wearing an American Flag on his back, it flapped behind him as he came down. He landed right in front of all of us, in a little bitty strip for landing. The couple right next to us, the father was in the Utah Guard. He was swearing in some new recruits as part of the ceremony. Their little girl, she couldn't have been over 4, was so delightful to watch. She had two small American Flags, and she would dance to the music waving them as she danced. When Josh Gracin began singing, her mother and her older son had left, and Dad was watching the little girl. When everyone rushed the staged for Josh Gracin, she ran as fast as she could to the very front and someone put her on the box right in front of the stage. She was sooo cute, a little groupie.

Daryl Worley

Josh Gracin was a Marine before Idol, he is also very patriotic. This was a good celebration. There were even fireworks after. We were tired, but I was happy as this was my Fourth Of July, as I have to work this Fourth all day. And well, I am more of a Country fan than a Jonas Brothers Fan.
Josh Gracin