In Remembrance

5/27/2013

The perfect ending to a great day. The sun came out and warmed up the mountain top. There were a lot of day hikers basking in the sun. The high reached 59º for a second day in a row and the low was 35º. Make sure you bring layers with you if you are coming up for the night. I have seen a lot of guests shivering while walking around camp, and later seen them in the famous LeConte hoodie.
Today is starting out to be a great day up top.

I would like to take a moment to remember my husband's grandfather, Col. John M. Virden. He served our country and made his family proud. I had a chance to get to know him, this past week, through pictures and old correspondence. It was great to learn more about my husband's side of the family. He was an interesting man who flew with the Flying Tigers and served as the press-relations person for President Eisenhower. I would like remember all of the people who have served our country and helped make it what it is today. I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day.

Col. John M. Virden's headstone in Arlington Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Glenn OH

5/27/2013 01:04:06 am

Good morning all,both my wife's and my father(WWll and Korean)served our country proudly, we'll decorate their graves today,we'll be up Friday, hoping for good weather and hoping our little buddies(fireflies) are out !!!

Debi

5/27/2013 01:34:47 am

You have some WOW pictures today. Thanks for sharing. My Grandpa also was in WW2. He was a great man.

Debnfl

5/27/2013 01:40:41 am

God Bless America! Thanks to all who have served and are currently serving our great country!
We will be heading up in the morning. Looking forward to a great hike and adventure staying at the lodge!

Marilyn

5/27/2013 02:30:25 am

My Uncle was in WWII, was captured in North Africa, sent to Italy as a POW, escaped from camp, stayed with an Italian family, was found by Italian Fascists and executed. A young man of about 23. I was fortunate enough to travel to Italy a few years ago and meet the wonderful family with whom he spent his last months. They were awesome and so hospitable. Our families formed a bond across the pond for as I was told as a little girl about my uncle the children in their family were told about the good American Roberto who stayed with them. If not, for them we would never have known what happened or where he was buried. So Memorial Day holds a special place in my heart for someone I never knew. My son-in-law is also in the service, a Major and has served overseas in hot spots as well as the USA. God Bless all the service men and women who protect our country and their families as well for the service they give by taking care of their families while their loved ones are deployed. Have a great Memorial day and happy hiking to all who are on the trail today!

Gina

5/27/2013 02:32:03 am

Remembering those that gave all today

Jenny B. link

5/27/2013 03:54:02 am

First of all, thanks for that beautiful photograph! And I would like to take this opportunity to remember my father, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was too modest to talk about his experience, but fortunately he left a written memoir, so I understand a bit about those brutal conditions.

numenlumen

5/27/2013 04:23:05 pm

So excited to have arrived in Sevierville on Memorial Day. Shared your photos with my boys (10yrs and 15yrs) Allyson, who will ascend Mt. LeConte for their second time on Wednesday. Your writings and photos have inspired us which I know is your goal. Looking forward to returning to the Lodge.

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In Remembrance

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In Remembrance

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