This is a memory tile our (Kucera siblings) family purchased in loving memory of our Dad, Grandpa & Great Grandpa. It is on display at the Norfolk Veterans Home, in the Heroes Park, in Norfolk, NE. Whenever you get a chance stop by the Veterans Home & check out the Park, in memory of all Veterans. It is a neat place & great way to honor our Veterans.
Grandpa Jim used to listen to the polka shows on the radio on Sundays. It was always a good way to relax afer a hard week on the farm. In 1996 I had asked him to record the show one Sunday, so he did. I've since converted that cassette tape he recorded to digital and you can hear it here at this link.
https://soundcloud.com/flatlander-1/grandpa-jims-polka-mix-tape
The photo of you in uniform makes me smile with deep pride. The uniform I remember most was the one that followed...work shoes, blue jeans, long sleeved denim shirt...and a John Deere tractor instead of an army fighter tank. On your lap and in your arms I was always free.
In prayer I remember you, Dad, on Veteran’s Day...and all those who serve and have served in the armed forces of our country…
O God of our Fathers and Mothers, our sons and daughters readily stand up for the integrity of our hearths and neighborhoods and country. We are grateful for their self-sacrificing attitude that has taken some of them to their deaths. We are sorrowed by the constant need for these sacrifices. Open our minds and hearts to prefer more non-violent ways to resolve the differences that arise in our world, and enable our non-violence to strengthen the spirits of our children and grandchildren. Amen.
Thank you, Dad, for your continued strength and courage…pray for us…your daughter Jean
A special 80th Birthday Celebration was held on Sept 21, 1999 at the Tri-County Hall in Leigh, Nebraska. Many family and friends attended this special day and it was preserved on video. This video can be viewed at the following link:
https://vimeo.com/49892519
Remembering you, Dad, on Veteran’s Day…your sense of duty is a shining example of what it means to sacrifice for others. Not only in the service you gave to your country, but to our family most of all. Your sacrifice extended far beyond war and into our hearts... I miss you, Dad, and love you. May God bless you for your valor and dedication serving your country, but also for the gift of peace you were to everyone who knew you. Christ said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.’ Thank you, Dad. May the gift of Peace you so generously gave to us be yours in the arms of God’s mercy, compassion, and everlasting love - 'peace be with you', Jean
Jim & Lena Kucera Farm
There is a farm whose fields we know by heart.
Where the earth was turned
and seeds were planted.
Where dreams were dreamt and memories made.
Where children grew up and life moved on.
There is a farm where life was lived.
This farm will always be our 'home.'
Thank you, Dad & Mom
Wherever we are there is always a road that leads home.
