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The Passing Parade: my family pictures

"The past is a foreign country, they do things differently there." (L.P. Hartley)

Aubrey L.Jennings (1904-1975) Born in Bartlett, Tx. Family of five brothers and one sister. Graduated U of Oklahoma Med School in 1929. Joined the US cavalry as a medical officer in 1934 after several years of trying to earn a living in private practice during the early years of the Depression. As he once told me "I couldn't make a living when my patients paid me in walnuts and chickens." Transferred to the Army Air Forces during WW2 and retired from the AF in 1964 after 30 years of service.
He was a low-key unpretentious man who came from a family of farmers and merchants. Named wittiest in his high school class, I will always treasure his quiet humor and words of counsel. He passed away at the age of 71 in 1975 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I still miss him.

Virginia Jennings (1919-2009): born Anna Catherine Virginia Griffin in Glasgow, Scotland in 1919. Four sisters (one of whom died in infancy) and two brothers. She lived a life of privilege until her parents broke up in 1932. She later became a hairdresser in London where she met my father who was a medical officer with the 9th AAF during World War II. In 1946 she obtained a job as an "office clerk" in Washington, DC with UNRRA which allowed her to travel to the US as a British subject. She married my father in 1947 and became active in AF wives' club activities until his retirement in 1964. She passed away on July 25, 2009. Her ashes have been interred in my father's grave at Arlington National Cemetery.

I have no brothers or sisters but have been blessed with an abundance of cousins whose company I still treasure after all these years.

This project has been both therapeutic and emotion-intensive at the same time. I found that I had to set it aside for awhile, then come back to it. It will always be a work in progress so please feel free to come back and visit it again.

The inspiration for this gallery came from my cousin, Tony Griffin, who led the way with a wonderful tribute to his father.
1905: The Jennings family. Dad, the baby of the group looking very self-conscious in his white gown.
1905: The Jennings family. Dad, the baby of the group looking very self-conscious in his white gown.		 c. 1910: Trent, TX. Dad the barefoot schoolboy, center front row. Detail from original print.
c. 1910: Trent, TX. Dad the barefoot schoolboy, center front row. Detail from original print.		 1919: Purcell, OK. Dad (age 15) as high school sophomore, about the time his future bride, my mother, was born.
1919: Purcell, OK. Dad (age 15) as high school sophomore, about the time his future bride, my mother, was born.		 c. 1921: Blackpool, England. My grandmother Veronica, great-aunt Lily. Kids from left Norma, Virginia (my mother), Alethea
c. 1921: Blackpool, England. My grandmother Veronica, great-aunt Lily. Kids from left Norma, Virginia (my mother), Alethea
c. 1921: Blackpool, England. Alethea and mom (right).
c. 1921: Blackpool, England. Alethea and mom (right).		 c. 1925: Purcell, OK: Dad (bottom right) with sister and brothers.
c. 1925: Purcell, OK: Dad (bottom right) with sister and brothers.		 1926: Glasgow, Scotland. Mom's first holy communion.
1926: Glasgow, Scotland. Mom's first holy communion.		 1926 Virgy, Alethea, Norma, Bill
1926 Virgy, Alethea, Norma, Bill
c. 1929: Dad (far right) and some fellow med students at the University of Oklahoma.
c. 1929: Dad (far right) and some fellow med students at the University of Oklahoma.		 1931: Clapham Notre Dame Convent, London. Mom (far left middle row). Alethea (far right standing behind horse).
1931: Clapham Notre Dame Convent, London. Mom (far left middle row). Alethea (far right standing behind horse).		 c. 1932: Bray Promenade, Wicklow, Ireland. From left Norma, Grandmother Veronica, Mom, Great Aunt Teresa
c. 1932: Bray Promenade, Wicklow, Ireland. From left Norma, Grandmother Veronica, Mom, Great Aunt Teresa		 1936: Fort Clark, TX. Dad (age 32) during cavalry days.
1936: Fort Clark, TX. Dad (age 32) during cavalry days.
c. 1936: Fort Clark, TX. Dad (left).
c. 1936: Fort Clark, TX. Dad (left).		 c. 1936: Mom at about 17.
c. 1936: Mom at about 17.		 c. 1938: Dublin, Ireland. Norma and Mom at Aunt Lilly's (with unidentified male)
c. 1938: Dublin, Ireland. Norma and Mom at Aunt Lilly's (with unidentified male)		 1939: Dublin, Ireland. Mom at her Aunt Lily's home.
1939: Dublin, Ireland. Mom at her Aunt Lily's home.
1941: Washington, DC. Dad, recently returned from duty in Hawaii.
1941: Washington, DC. Dad, recently returned from duty in Hawaii.		 1942: Minter Field, Bakersfield CA. Picture scanned from the base yearbook
1942: Minter Field, Bakersfield CA. Picture scanned from the base yearbook		 1943: Oklahoma. Dad (left) with brothers Blake, Owen and Boots.
1943: Oklahoma. Dad (left) with brothers Blake, Owen and "Boots."		 1943: Finchley, London. From left: Pat, Bob, Mom, brother Bill, Marjorie, brother Clem, sister Thora.
1943: Finchley, London. From left: "Pat," "Bob," Mom, brother Bill, "Marjorie," brother Clem, sister Thora.
c. 1944: Dad's Short Snorter (see caption below for explanation) on reverse of British 10-shilling note.
c. 1944: Dad's "Short Snorter" (see caption below for explanation) on reverse of British 10-shilling note.		 1944: Marks Hall, Essex, England. Dad (left) at HQ 9th Bomber Command.
1944: Marks Hall, Essex, England. Dad (left) at HQ 9th Bomber Command.		 1944: Reims, France. Dad in office at HQ Ninth Bomber Command
1944: Reims, France. Dad in office at HQ Ninth Bomber Command		 1944: Reims, France Dad (right) with Gen Samuel E. Anderson
1944: Reims, France Dad (right) with Gen Samuel E. Anderson
1945: Dublin, Ireland. Mom (left), Thora, Norma with unidentified males at their Aunt Lily's house.
1945: Dublin, Ireland. Mom (left), Thora, Norma with unidentified males at their Aunt Lily's house.		 1945: Mom's travel permit for the British Isles, issued July 20, 1945.
1945: Mom's travel permit for the British Isles, issued July 20, 1945.		 1945: Mom's British passport issued Nov 28, 1945 (age 26).
1945: Mom's British passport issued Nov 28, 1945 (age 26).		 1946: Hotel Raleigh, Washington DC
1946: Hotel Raleigh, Washington DC
1946: Mom in Joan Crawford hair, somewhere in Mexico.
1946: Mom in Joan Crawford hair, somewhere in Mexico.		 1946: Dad in Mexico. The car is a 1940 model Buick Eight, still with wartime (1942) license plate.
1946: Dad in Mexico. The car is a 1940 model Buick Eight, still with wartime (1942) license plate.		 1947: Glenageary, County Dublin, Ireland. Mom (left) with Clem, Thora and Grandmother Veronica. All looking oddly eccentric.
1947: Glenageary, County Dublin, Ireland. Mom (left) with Clem, Thora and Grandmother Veronica. All looking oddly eccentric.		 1947: Dublin, Ireland. Mom with her mother, Veronica.
1947: Dublin, Ireland. Mom with her mother, Veronica.
1947: Ireland. From left Mom, Grandmother Veronica, Thora, Norma
1947: Ireland. From left Mom, Grandmother Veronica, Thora, Norma		 1947: Hats on parade. O'Connell St. Dublin, Ireland. From left, Norma, Mom, Thora
1947: Hats on parade. O'Connell St. Dublin, Ireland. From left, Norma, Mom, Thora		 c. 1948: Portland, ME. Mom (right) with Alethea and Mickey.
c. 1948: Portland, ME. Mom (right) with Alethea and "Mickey."		 c. 1948: San Antonio, TX. The newlyweds with Dad's sister-in-law, Mary (left).
c. 1948: San Antonio, TX. The newlyweds with Dad's sister-in-law, Mary (left).
1948: The media frenzy surrounding my birth consisted of this telegram from Mel and Alethea.
1948: The media frenzy surrounding my birth consisted of this telegram from Mel and Alethea.		 c. 1950: Tampa, FL. Dad was stationed at MacDill AFB when I was born
c. 1950: Tampa, FL. Dad was stationed at MacDill AFB when I was born		 c. 1950: Tampa, Florida
c. 1950: Tampa, Florida		 1951: Springfield, MA. With Mom and Dad.
1951: Springfield, MA. With Mom and Dad.
1952: Longmeadow, MA. Adults from left, Alethea, Dad, Mom. Kids from left Jill, John, Bob.
1952: Longmeadow, MA. Adults from left, Alethea, Dad, Mom. Kids from left Jill, John, Bob.		 1952: Paul's Valley, OK. Dad second from left. Bob in front. The last time they were all together.
1952: Paul's Valley, OK. Dad second from left. Bob in front. The last time they were all together.		 1952: Passport for trip to Japan.
1952: Passport for trip to Japan. 		c. 1953: Poolside with mom in Japan.
c. 1953: Poolside with mom in Japan.
1953: Taegu Air Base (K-2), South Korea. Dad (left).
1953: Taegu Air Base (K-2), South Korea. Dad (left).		 c. 1954 Tachikawa AFB, Japan. With friend Doug Exon (left).
c. 1954 Tachikawa AFB, Japan. With friend Doug Exon (left).		 c. 1954: Japan. My first cocktail party. Mom in dark dress. Dad far right.
c. 1954: Japan. My first cocktail party. Mom in dark dress. Dad far right.		 1954: With mom the day we departed Japan for the US.
1954: With mom the day we departed Japan for the US.
1954: Bob on the day we left Japan.
1954: Bob on the day we left Japan.		 1954: On board Navy transport prior to departure. Mom (far left), Dad (far right).
1954: On board Navy transport prior to departure. Mom (far left), Dad (far right).		 1954: Ireland. Smoke 'em if you got 'em! Donal Crosbie and my Aunt Norma's wedding.
1954: Ireland. "Smoke 'em if you got 'em!" Donal Crosbie and my Aunt Norma's wedding.		 1956: Passport for trip to Ireland and Scotland.
1956: Passport for trip to Ireland and Scotland.
1956: Bolling AFB, Washington, DC. Mom and Dad upper right. Me in front with Dick and Jane reader.
1956: Bolling AFB, Washington, DC. Mom and Dad upper right. Me in front with "Dick and Jane" reader.		 1956: Washington, DC.
1956: Washington, DC.		 c. 1957: Groton Long Point, CT. Bob (left) with cousins Jill and Bruce.
c. 1957: Groton Long Point, CT. Bob (left) with cousins Jill and Bruce.		 1958: Bolling AFB, Wash DC. Cub scout days. Bob (far left) with fellow inmates.
1958: Bolling AFB, Wash DC. Cub scout days. Bob (far left) with fellow inmates.
1961: Washington, DC. Photo from Polaroid demo in department store.
1961: Washington, DC. Photo from Polaroid demo in department store.		 1962: Tony and me after church. Flushing, NY
1962: Tony and me after church. Flushing, NY		 1962: Frank, me, Veronica, Moira, Pauline, Tony
1962: Frank, me, Veronica, Moira, Pauline, Tony		 1963: Groton Long Point, CT. Mom (left), Grandmother Veronica, Alethea, Clem
1963: Groton Long Point, CT. Mom (left), Grandmother Veronica, Alethea, Clem
1963: NYC Copacabana Lounge. From left: Clem, Mom, Norma, Alethea, Donal.
1963: NYC Copacabana Lounge. From left: Clem, Mom, Norma, Alethea, Donal.		 1965: Arlington, VA High school baseball.
1965: Arlington, VA High school baseball.		 1965: Arlington, VA. Dad and Mom on Mother's Day. The way I remember them.
1965: Arlington, VA. Dad and Mom on Mother's Day. The way I remember them.		 1965: Washington DC Cousin Frank with Mom in front of a certain building.
1965: Washington DC Cousin Frank with Mom in front of a certain building.
1965: Arlington, VA. JFK grave. Far left: Cousins Tony and Frank. Far right: Mom (hand over mouth).
1965: Arlington, VA. JFK grave. Far left: Cousins Tony and Frank. Far right: Mom (hand over mouth).		 1965: Boston. Clem and Mom. If it looks like big sister was giving her younger brother some advice, she was.
1965: Boston. Clem and Mom. If it looks like big sister was giving her younger brother some advice, she was. 		1965: Arlington VA Cousin Tony (left) and me (right)
1965: Arlington VA Cousin Tony (left) and me (right)		 1966: Foxboro, MA. Gathering for the paparazzi at Clem's and Lois' wedding reception.
1966: Foxboro, MA. Gathering for the paparazzi at Clem's and Lois' wedding reception.
1967: Brookehill: Killybegs, Donegal, Ireland c. 1925 (top) and 1967. From left in bottom photo: Mom, Donal, Alethea
1967: Brookehill: Killybegs, Donegal, Ireland c. 1925 (top) and 1967. From left in bottom photo: Mom, Donal, Alethea		 1971: Flushing, NY. Mom at brother Bill's
1971: Flushing, NY. Mom at brother Bill's		 1971: Groton Long Point, CT. Mom and sister Alethea (right)
1971: Groton Long Point, CT. Mom and sister Alethea (right)		 1971: Groton Long Point, CT. Donal, Mom, Norma, Michelle
1971: Groton Long Point, CT. Donal, Mom, Norma, Michelle
1971: Arlington, VA. With Mom and Dad.
1971: Arlington, VA. With Mom and Dad.		 1973: Arlington, VA. Christmas day.
1973: Arlington, VA. Christmas day.		 1975: Arlington National Cemetery. Dad's final resting place.
1975: Arlington National Cemetery. Dad's final resting place.		 1977: Arlington, VA. Christmas with Mom.
1977: Arlington, VA. Christmas with Mom.
1982: Stonington, CT. Mom with brother-in-law, Donal.
1982: Stonington, CT. Mom with brother-in-law, Donal.		 1998: Boston. Mom with brother Clem.
1998: Boston. Mom with brother Clem.		 2008: Richmond, VA. With brother, Clem. Their last meeting.
2008: Richmond, VA. With brother, Clem. Their last meeting.		 2009: Arlington National Cemetery. Mom's last earthly journey.
2009: Arlington National Cemetery. Mom's last earthly journey.
2009: Words of comfort from the Catholic chaplain.
2009: Words of comfort from the Catholic chaplain.		 2009: After a separation of 34 years, Dad and Mom are reunited for eternity.
2009: After a separation of 34 years, Dad and Mom are reunited for eternity.		 2015: Their completed headstone.
2015: Their completed headstone.

comment | share
Carolanne Crosbie 18-Jun-2016 17:10
HI Bob, I came across your site by pure chance. Fantastic photos! Brought tears to my eyes. I barely remember your Dad but Virgy was always a big part of our summers. I have so many happy memories of her. John and I are visiting Groton Long Point this Summer from July7th until July 23rd. My daughter Jenny is working there for the summer. Would love to see you.
Carolanne
James Mc Daid 12-Nov-2015 20:46
Hi
found your site while researching the family tree your grandfather William Griffin and my grandmother Mary Ann are brother and sisters. I'm still living in Donegal about 15 miles from where they both were born and reared.
Best wishes love those photos James
Karen Moen29-Apr-2015 23:07
A beautiful story told with love. Thank you for sharing. Voted.
Lynne Griffin 01-May-2014 17:31
Bob,
Your photos are amazing. I meant to write that five years ago. A great tribute to your mom and dad, as well as the whole family. There were some pictures in there of my dad I had never seen. Some lovely photos of Virginia and Clem. My favourites: them arguing in Boston as young people, and then many years later, having their last face to face conversation00it was so touching and heartbreaking all at once. Thank you. Lynne
exzim23-Mar-2014 12:52
Great series of family photos. A treasure !
Linda13-Apr-2011 15:27
Bob-ran across this site when searching for other born at MacDill AFB! You did a great job documenting your parents life, I know they are proud. I too grew up a military brat and eventually made my way back to the Tampa area. Take care
Guest 09-Jan-2010 20:34
Thank you for sharing your parents legacy and your family memorys. They are truly honored.

Sincerely;
susan l. chandler
Guest 29-Jul-2009 01:10
Bob, so sorry for your loss. I remember your mother playing the piano at your house. What a delightful and entertaining lady.
Hope Duke
Mary Ann Keogh 28-Jul-2009 15:35
Hi Bob and Linda,

John and and are so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a fun lady whenever I saw her at a CWC event. Our prayers are with you. This was a great idea with all the photos of your parents. Wow.

Love,
Mary Ann
Diann Mitchell` 27-Jul-2009 23:23
Hi Bob,

What wonderful pictures and memories you have! Your mom will always be in your heart. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet her when she was still in good health and would come to Christian Womans' Club with Linda. I know tomorrow will be a celebration and I am happy to be there to help you celebrate!

God bless you all!

Diann Mitchell
Susie McIntosh 27-Jul-2009 00:08
Bob, sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for sharing your loving memories.
Bill Freeman 26-Jul-2009 20:03
Bob, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Thank you so much for your labor of love in celebrating your parent's lives with all of us!
Patty Inglis 26-Jul-2009 17:19
Bob, so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I know these years have been difficult. I feel lucky to have met your Mom. I really enjoyed talking with her. The family photos are such a treasure. I enjoyed them very much also. I didn't realize our lives were so similar. When you were in Japan my family was in Iran. Then we all ended up in Arlington!
Nyla Villager 26-Jul-2009 15:30
Saying that final goodbye to our mother and father is so difficult. My parents have been gone 13 years and I still have times that I miss them terribly. Thanks for sharing this photo collection. I had not realized how much your son looks like you Bob until seeing your pictures at about the same age. Tim and I extend our sympathy to you. Love, Nyla
Nancy Chubb 26-Jul-2009 04:20
Bob, So sorry to hear about your mom. The photo album is a wonderful tribute and meaningful treasure to have. Somehow I didn't know about all those early years...
Ray28-Mar-2009 13:36
Interesting -- Something I would like to do before all the old photos are gone.
Dougie Young25-Mar-2009 11:44
Fantastic fotos and very interesting Family gallery. Thanks for sharing..:>
Long Bach Nguyen10-Jan-2009 08:06
Great family photos...wonderful job
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