Memories caught unawares

Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day.  Coming from a military background that means quite a bit to me.  My dad was in the Army before I was born…went to Germany when they were putting up the Berlin wall in 1959 and did two tours in Viet Nam, came home and did a year of funeral detail when we lived at Ft Knox, then went to Korea to the DMZ…We lived all over the world, and one thing was a constant…Military anniversaries were treated with respect, there were parades, music, and at Reveille and Retreat, wherever one was on post, you stopped and saluted the flag until the bugle stopped sounding.  Saluting the flag was a given at any function whether it be a civilian parade or military.  All these things were ingrained into my being, because as my dad used to say…There is only one color on this base..OD Green and ONE race…HUMAN…meaning we were all in this together.  Parents went away and returned(mostly), and we grew up knowing that life isn’t fair, it changes constantly and military rules are totally different than the rest of the worlds.

So tonight, I was watching a video a friend posted, of military clowning around to Tic Toc by Ke$ha, then Brae joined me and we just kept watching others.  As we watched, I quietly talked to her about my dad and what his job was in the military..he had several, but mostly was instructor for the Howitzer cannon, 1Sgt, babysitter for those far from home and needing guidance.  He passed away 5 yrs ago in April, never making it to his birthday on May 10.  Braelyn was born that same year on May 12.  I want her to know that he worked very hard to serve his country, allowing us to believe as we believe.  He would have loved her precious self, laughing at her dancing and jokes.  He really loved the little people.  Tomorrow there is a veterans program at school, and I am going to watch.  It will be bittersweet because my dad always went and was honored with others at the event.  Will I cry?  maybe a little..have today as Brae and I talked about him…not so much because he isn’t here because with all the pain he endured at the end, he is much better off where he is, but because the little people will not get a chance to know him and understand how much sacrifice involved in what he chose to do for a living.

Tomorrow while you watch programs, see things on television or even know a veteran..Thank them for all they do and take the time to remember those who no longer walk among us for it was their courage that gave us a precious gift…freedom..don’t ever take that for granted.

PEACE OUT