Memorial Day is coming! These are My Navy Heroes

My Dad, My Hero!

Charlie Thide

March 12, 1927- February 8, 2006

What an awesome guy! He was funny, loved fishing, hunting and practically any outdoor sports. Worked 3 jobs at a time to keep a roof over our head, clothes on our backs and food in our bellies.

Bellies? Yes 10 of us! I have 6 brothers and 3 sisters.

Dad loved us all and although there were things about each of us that he liked, he never showed favorites.

Above all that Dad loved his Rosie (Mom) she was the love of his life and he let the whole world know it!

I hear his voice within me to this day, sometimes I really wonder if he really is right here with me in the challenges I face in life.

Dad served in the United States Navy at the end of WWII as a hard hat underwater demolition diver and SeaBee.

Because of my Dad I know how to:

• tie sailor's knots
• navigate in the water
• tow cars
• change flats
• face difficulties

but most of all maintain honor, integrity and dignity in all that I do.

Dad and Mom are gone now for 2 years, but I have to say they were a treasure that I wish you all could have known!

My next Hero is my brother Charlie Thide aka Charles Joseph Thide

November 8, 1950 - October 14, 2004

Charlie served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Charlie served on two Navy ships:

1. The USS Turner Joy

2. The USS Ouellet

Charlie was my eldest brother, he died of cancer in 2004.

He left behind his wife Diane and their 3 awesome children, Chris, Lisa & Karin.

As my oldest brother, Charlie was the leader, the strong one. He was rough & tough and had a great big heart!

He created in us all a team spirit...one for all and all for one! When one of us was in trouble, whoever was causing that trouble was soon going to face all of us!!!

My last hero was my grandfather, none other than Charles Thide Sr aka "Pop"

1899-1980

Pop loved the water & loved to fish in the waters surrounding Long Island.

He was not exactly warm and fuzzy but he had a very creative mind.

As a young man he invented & patented the changeover switch in the movie theaters so the screen wouldn't go blank in between reels! Do you remember that?

When you see that black dot in the right corner of the screen, that is the cue to hit the switch!

Pop also invented something for us women! The device that moves your lipstick up and down was invented by my grandfather!!! I think that is so awesome!

He had to sell these patents to pay for my grandmother's medical bills for Tuberculosis from which she later died.

Pop also served in the Navy as a morse code operator.

I am so grateful for the part that these three men have played in my life.

I am grateful for all the sacrifices of all who served this country. Those who gave their lives, those who were wounded in action, those who were taken captive and those who made it through unscathed.

It is truly a time to remember the sacrifice of the men and women who have made this country great and shed their blood to keep us free! Free to experience the Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness!

Because of them I can be the Realtor that I choose to be and accomplish the goals and dreams of my choice.

THANK YOU ALL!!!