05.26.08
1919
I’m thankful that our family has not added any more headstones in the past year, despite a number of scares for our older generations. So today I bring you an image of the happy homecoming we wish every military family can have (though it is one that so many of them cannot).
In 1919, two Ardisson families gathered (probably on the family farm outside Delmont) to welcome John Ardison (center, between the two flags) home from his service with the American forces in World War I. The families of Steve Ardisson (my great-great-grandfather) and his brother, Tony Ardison, gathered around picnic tables, just as many of us do this day, for good food and family and to celebrate the safe return from war of John Ardison, Tony’s oldest.
I can’t tell you much more about this photo, only that it was probably taken sometime in the summer, as my own grandfather (born the beginning of May that year) looks to be several months old.
So as we sit at our own picnic tables today, let us remember those who have sacrificed for us and earnestly hope for a return like this one of 1919 for everyone still in harm’s way.
August 17, 2008 at 7:30 pm
are you related to a painter named Michael Ardisson? I have a painting of a farm landscape by him and have been googling him to find out more about him.
August 19, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Doug, I do have a distant relative named Michael Ardisson, but I don’t know any more about him than that (except that he’s probably in his 50s). I’ll ask around, and if I find out anything, I’ll let you know.