Veterans Day At Riverside National Cemetary

Every year, since we've been married, Martin and I visit Riverside National Cemetary on Veterans Day, because Martin's Uncle Earl Sheets is buried there.

Uncle Sheets, as he's so lovingly known as, was Martin's uncle through marriage. However, to Martin, he was more than just an uncle. In fact, he considers him to be another father to him. Uncle Sheets is the one that Martin has loving stories and memories with of having him as the one who watched over and helped raise him as a little boy. Martin has said that if it wasn't for Uncle Sheets, he wouldn't be who he is today... nor would he have joined the Air Force when he was only 17 years old.

Uncle Sheets proudly served in the U.S. Marines and in the U.S. Air Force, and enlisted when he was only 16 years old... something that Martin still loves to recount. Which is why he is buried at the National Cemetary, located near March Air Force Base- which is now only about 20 minutes from our home. As you can see, Martin and his uncle had a very close and loving relationship, almost hero like. When he passed 10 years ago on November 14th, Martin was devastated, like stated, as if he had lost his own father.

Martin was so proud to visit his uncle year after year and show him what he has so far become... and this year, he was able to bring his two children, one boy, and one girl to come meet their "Grandpa Sheets." It was truly a mixed set of emotions.