Becky wrote: I do have some of his ribbons. Not sure what they are exactly and will need to do some research. My brother has his flag. I have his Bronze Star.
Not sure about then but now medals awarded and ribbons earns are listed on the DD-214.
Not sure about then but now medals awarded and ribbons earns are listed on the DD-214.[/quote]
I have a copy of my Grandfathers DD-214 from the 50's. When I sent away for his medals more came than were on the form. If I remember right, they would update what soldiers were awarded up until the early 70's I believe. You might try and get an updated copy. Also France issued medals to our troops also.
Napalm sticks to kids.
Sometimes I would love to take a big stick and knock the stupid out of people.
As time goes by I suggest you consider donating some of the more fragile items to museums; I know that sounds harsh but the things that won't stand the test of time on their own can be preserved to some extent by professionals. Once donated you will always know where they are and that they are being given the best chance of being preserved possible by professionals who know how to care for each item.
The sturdier stuff would probably do well for many years to come in a shadow box or other sealed case, eventually those items will also start to deteriorate and at some point it makes sense to give them to an organization that can better preserve them.
I have a WW I trench knife that belonged to my great great grandfather, I can't tell you when I'll be willing to part with it but at some point I know it will be better cared for in the hands of a museum than anyone else.
I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.
"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him; better take a closer look at the American Indian." - Henry Ford
Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges; When the Republic is at its most corrupt the laws are most numerous. - Publius Cornelius Tacitus
Another idea for organizing is to organize by action or activity: Example: Holidays, specific battles, etc.
The memory books may seem a little disjointed, but with all the Christmas stuff in one area, it gives a great idea of what changed or what was the same each year.
After you get done scanning what you can or want to, I would recommend taking the paper memorabilia to a conservator...the newspaper especially will continue to yellow and will get very brittle as time goes on.
If you have the time and inclination, maybe creating (or having someone create) a "movie" with clips from the eras shown, both stills and moving pictures...my cousin did this with photos from my great-grandmother and as the stills were shown interspersed with generic stills and movies (like apple trees or corn stalks) she read from my great-grandmother's diary. It brought tears to everyone's eyes.
Sounds like you've got some precious ties to your parents' past. Enjoy them.
