Gettysburg & Philadelphia for Memorial Day

So, where were you on Memorial Day for the "moment of silence"?  We were at the Gettysburg battlefields.  And I highly recommend it!  The community really gets into it all.  The uniforms and parades, the speeches, picnics and of course, the Veterans.  It all makes for a most patriotic experience.

I had no idea there were so many statues here.  Thought it was like most of the other memorials you visit where there is a main display.  But here, you can actually drive (for hours) through the actual battle grounds.  You can see a miniature diorama, you can buy souvenirs, and get amazing pictures.  And if you are a history buff, you could spend sooooooo much time experiencing it all!

One of the park rangers helped us out by driving us into the park beyond where we'd have gotten as they we about to close off the area for the parade.  Thank you!

We got out before the parade, as we needed to get on to Philadelphia.  But this was an unplanned stop that was perfect!

And so it was that we headed to Philly ...

For the record, this part of the country is beautiful  most of the year, this was no exception.  Rolling hills covered in green ... nothing better!

Then the city loomed before us.  I've always liked Philadelphia.  This is the city from which I departed as I joined the Air Force so so many years ago.  This is where I would take my daughter on random weekends when she was little.

And this is where we would find some new friends at the Chinatown station of the Philadelphia FD.

And boy, you have to work to get in there if the door is closed.  Sheesh!  lol  We knocked, knocked again, banged on the door, waved through the window and just refused to give up til they answered.  Luckily it wasn't much longer because we'd have had to go get something at one of the Chinese restaurants that surround the house.  That smell will get ya, ask JeeNee!  ( ;

But, the door opened and they welcomed us in.  Even better, they too have a realllllllly good cook and dinner was perfect!

We got lots of great pix, and a new addition to the patch collection.  Mine is from the first tour and is one of the most asked about patches on that first tour coat.  We had no idea there were so many Chinatown stations ... Could be a tour theme there.  Hmmm ....

They brought out some shirts for us with little notice, and all of them signed the banner for the Troops.

We like this house and look forward to a future visit.  Hope to see lots of PFD shirts this year!  And yes, from the Medics too!

Thank you all for that Philly hospitality!  Next time, we have to find the perfect Philly Cheese Steak .... Hey!  Another tour theme!  ( ;

Thanks for a fun stop!  Happy Memorial Day!  And be safe!

lj