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Decorating· Family· Holiday

A Patriotic Party

As Gunn’s, our Scottish family loves to wear its plaid! Here is A Patriotic Party.

A Patriotic Party

A Patriotic Party

When Mr. Decor retired we were ready to celebrate. I was blessed that my airman came home from every single one of his missions. We decided to go against the average ho-hum series of speeches and put a Scottish twist on things as a nod to his heritage.

A Patriotic Party

His clan motto is “Either Peace or War”. Very befitting the military don’t you think? The actual ceremony was held in a hangar large enough to hold everyone in attendance. Our guests knew they were in for something special when the bagpipes started. The piper was our distant cousin, Scott Gunn, who is a member of the US Air Force Drum, Bugle Corps, and Pipe Band. Scott has played for the president on numerous occasions. (It should be noted that a piped procession is an honor reserved for very few.)

A Patriotic Party

All of Mr. Decor’s family attended. His father, a former Navy man, was presented with an American flag that had been flown over our nations capital.

A Patriotic Party

Each of his sister’s and mother received a corsage that included Scottish thistle.

A Patriotic Party

It was fun that so many of the attendee’s came wearing their plaid. The Fashionista wore her Black Watch kilt, while Sweet Boy and I sported the Gunn dress tartan.

A Patriotic Party

The Reception

Afterwards, we traveled to the Warner Robins, AFB Officers Club for a formal sit down dinner.

A Patriotic Party

Here is a close up of the image I used for the place cards / menu (printed on the back) found in a 1951 cookbook entitled “A World of Good Eating”.

A Patriotic Party

Of course, there was entertainment. Everyone was invited to play the pipes. I now know what Scots wear under their kilts.

A Patriotic Party

The family that pipes together, stays out of breath together.

A Patriotic Party

A good time was had by all.

A Patriotic Party

Sweet tokens of appreciation included Scottish shortbread and butterscotch candies. They were of course tied up with plaid ribbon.

A Patriotic Party

Happy National Tartan Day!

Laura

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05.31.10

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Comments

  1. Karen says

    May 31, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    What a wonderful posting, Laura. You remember our fallen, brave men and women to the fullest.
    The bagpipes really touch my heart. I grew up in a predominately Italian-American household because of my mother, but my father did not have the same ties. He was a veteran of WWII and a military historian with books and magazine articles to his credit. He loved the bagpipes and almost drove my mother crazy playing his bagpipe album at least once a week. When my father passed away, I stated that my father WILL have bagpipes at his funeral. The bagpiper we hired actually had to drive two hours to get to my dad's funeral. It was beautiful and so perfect and my dad would have felt so honored and happy.
    I'm going to run back to my blog and post his wartime picture of him in a kilt… all of which was taken in a photography studio in England. (Notice the boots if you make it over there. He was always embarrassed about that part.)
    Thank you, Laura.
    Have a blessed day!
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

  2. Kathy says

    May 31, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    This was wonderful! Love the details. Seemed everyone had a wonderful time! I truly appreciate those who serve our Country. It is they and their families that make our Country great!
    Loved everything. Didn't know you were so close by. God bless you!
    Kathy

  3. The Mac's House says

    May 31, 2010 at 1:24 pm

    What a cool idea. We never thought of that when my husband retired from the military of 21 years of submarine service. But those submarine guys are such pomp and circumstance kind of guys! 🙂

    Being Scottish that would have been so much fun!

    Great posts, thanks for sharing……

    Teri

  4. bj says

    May 31, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    This is a magnificent post. I enjoyed every single bit of it.
    Thanks so much and have a blessed Memorial Day.

  5. Tales From My Empty Nest says

    May 31, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    What a wonderful celebration for your husband as he ended his military service. Loved all the pictures. What a special time was had by all. Have a wonderful day. Love & blessings from NC!

  6. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    May 31, 2010 at 2:03 pm

    What a fabulous party. Everything looks so perfect for the very special event this was. Bless you and your family for all the years of service and for our freedom. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Marty

  7. Connie says

    May 31, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    I guess I'm going to be sending a lot of kisses today to our military men celebrated on the blogs, sweetpea!! Well, you give that man and kiss and hug from this old lady and thank him profusely for protecting me and my family and my country!
    xoxo,
    Connie

  8. Shelia says

    May 31, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    Happy Memorial Day, Laura! Oh, what a wonderful post! Your hubby is so handsome and how wonderful they could wear their plaids. Looks like a very special celebration and your family is so beautiful! You especially!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  9. Bringing Pretty Back says

    May 31, 2010 at 2:22 pm

    Laura, HOW WONDERFUL! The pride in everyone's faces is enough to bring tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for posting this. I loved it.
    Kristin

  10. Visual Vamp says

    May 31, 2010 at 2:38 pm

    Just fabulous!
    Thanks for sharing every detail!
    xo xo

  11. Helen says

    May 31, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    It felt 'good' reading your post today. Thank you for sharing with us.

    Bagpipes are the most magical of instruments ~ conjuring up emotions and magic and memories.

  12. nanny says

    May 31, 2010 at 4:07 pm

    I enjoyed this post so very much…

    Thanks to your wonderful husband for all of the years served.

    Have a great Memorial Day!

  13. Julie Tucker-Wolek says

    May 31, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    What an amazing post Laura!! I just loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the way your family celebrates their heritage!! I loveeeeeeee the photos! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

  14. Ceekay- Thinkin of Home says

    May 31, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    That looks like a wonderful party. I love all the scottish touches you used. Thanks for sharing it!

  15. Coleen's Corner says

    May 31, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    What a beautiful post. My youngest son is (hopefully) career military. He's been in the Navy since 2000, but he is single parent to two little boys and the military life, as you know, is hard with all the different duty stations. I am very proud of him and all of our men and women who make many more sacrifices than civilians realize serving our country. I love military ceremony, but this year we were able to all be together as a family at our place, enjoying simplicity. God Bless you and yours. Thanks again for sharing your story.

  16. Marydon Ford says

    May 31, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    I salute your handsome husband, Laura. What a magnificent way to celebrate his wonderful tenure with our armed forces.

    As a former USNavy wife, I truly am honored & proud to say … THANK YOU!

    The last time I heard bagpipes was when the girls played them at our eldest son's graduation party for him, they always bring a tear.

    Your write today was absolutely heartfelt, Laura.

    TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

  17. glor says

    May 31, 2010 at 6:31 pm

    What a wonderful post. And to Mr. Decor … thanks and prayers for making such sacrifices to keep us safe and free. God bless you and your family.

  18. vignette design says

    May 31, 2010 at 7:07 pm

    Happy Memorial Day. I loved this post! Thank you Mr. Decor for your service! –Delores
    PS: Don't forget to email me with you address so I can mail your prizes. deloresarabian@hotmail.com

  19. CINNIBONBON says

    May 31, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    Wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing and posting to all those who have served.

  20. fairfieldhousenj.com says

    May 31, 2010 at 10:18 pm

    What a beautiful celebration and tribute to your Airman's career and heritage.
    We had bag pipes at Da's funeral. The music is beautiful.

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

    Psst… commando, like most Judges I know!

  21. Terri and Bob says

    May 31, 2010 at 10:55 pm

    Wow, this is such a fabulous post. I am all about that plaid. How gorgeous. I loved seeing the place settings. So pretty!

    I got your postcard!! It was such a fun thing to do!

  22. Cat says

    June 1, 2010 at 1:25 am

    This looks like it was a fun night!!

    I just wanted to stop in and tell you thanks for commenting on my yellow beds on BudgetBlonde.com It's a new blog so I appreciate comments so much! thanks!

    xoxo,
    Cat

  23. susan says

    June 1, 2010 at 2:10 am

    Laura-What a great post, party, and pictures. But the 2008 post gave me chills. I could almost see it and feel it myself. What a moving experience. Thanks for sharing it.

  24. The Boston Lady says

    June 1, 2010 at 2:25 am

    What a wonderful rememberance of not only a special day for your family, but for all military families and American families in general. Thanks so much for sharing Mr. Decor's day of honor.

  25. Rosemary says

    June 1, 2010 at 8:46 pm

    This looks like it was fun from start to finish – the Scots know how to have a good time (not that I'm biased having lots of Scot blood in the family background). Great post and thank you for sharing with us, and thanks to Mr. Decor for his service!

  26. French Basketeer says

    June 1, 2010 at 11:08 pm

    All so lovely, Laura! Congratulations to Mr. Decor for returning all of his missions; the party looks just divine; Mom's side of the family is from the Orkney Islands and we love the tartan too! The pic of you holding your Sweet Little Boy is precious, and you all look so Proud, as you should be!!! hugs, Andrea

  27. vignette design says

    April 1, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful story and thank you to Mr. Decor for his service. Loved seeing the family in tartan. It looks like a wonderful party!
    Thanks for linking up to the Tartan Parade. ~Delores

  28. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) says

    April 1, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    This must have been a wonderful celebration. I really enjoy hearing bagpipes, and in our church (Presbyterian) we do have a piper often. Great thanks to your hubby for his service to all of us. Linda

  29. Maggie says

    April 1, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    Laura,
    this was a wonderful post to link into the Tartan Parade, it looks like a very special party which was enjoyed by everyone.
    I do love a Scottish pipe band!
    Maggie

  30. Sarah says

    April 1, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    Laura, what a treat to get to see the delights of this occasion. Thank you for sharing this beautiful party. Your family looks so happy! Thank you to your husband for his years of service!
    And a big thank you for sharing this wonderful post in the Tartan Parade. ~ Sarah

  31. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    April 1, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    WOW a great celebration of plaid and certainly worth another go-round!

    Thanks for sharing – happy Tartan!

    ~Michele

  32. Rattlebridge Farm says

    April 1, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    I can almost hear the bagpipes. This is the best kind of party, with the wearin' o' the plaid.

  33. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    April 1, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    Sure looks like everyone had a great time! Love the cute invitations (I won't share them with Earl:@)

  34. Alison @ The Polohouse says

    April 1, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    What a special day and I agree, a beautiful family. Such a wonderful memory for you all. Thanks for sharing the details with us. Such a great honor.

    Thanks for linking this special post with the Tartan Parade today, Laura!

  35. Debbie@Mountain Breaths says

    April 1, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    Laura, I'm so glad you reposted this wonderful party. Thank your handsome husband for his years of service! Happy Tartan to you.

  36. Salmagundi says

    April 1, 2012 at 9:04 pm

    This is the perfect post for Tartan Day. What a special occasion! Sally

  37. Marlis says

    April 2, 2012 at 12:54 am

    A lovely post.. and a lovely party at that.. Wow! xo marlis

  38. Babs says

    April 4, 2012 at 10:52 pm

    Laura, Thank you for sharing this wonderful post and this special Scottish retirement party for your husband. Please thank your husband for his service to our country. God bless him and your family. Happy Tartan Day!
    Babs

Hi, I’m Laura Ingalls Gunn

Welcome to Decor To Adore! I love flea markets, tea parties, classic literature and dachshunds.

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