MEMORIAL DAY 2013

Dad,

I wrote the following for you. I'm thankful for your service and the service of all those men and women that stand on a line and say evil shall not pass. I'm proud of you and I love you! I'm sure there is no reminiscing of trespasses and old wounds in Heaven, but down here we will always honor those that make the greatest sacrifice.

" Dad, I won't be there to kiss your marble headstone and honor your day.

I'm away for work, but my pride never sway, it's an honor for me to know you this way.

We never spoke much of the war, even though it loomed ominously with the scars your body bore.

My admiration for you was clumsily had, by snooping and having awe, at the medals I found.

Buried deep in a dresser, not shown in the starkness of light, a war heroes pay for doing it right.

You were young, honorable and brave, so young, so proud, when your country called you away.

In Dominican Republic, again in Vietnam, you proudly said "Here!", where Uncle Sam said stand.

And, on a humid, miserable, June '66 tropical day, you said go, but the helicopter stayed.

Years later when this story was retold, I wept and I cried for the soldier, my father, so brave so bold.

With hell all around that horrid day, you were alone, mortally wounded, when help made its way.

Taking fire and still firing, while grenades rained down, you waved off as two angles came down.

They didn't make it, but a third angel sprang and dashed the battle scarred ground to where you lay.

He hooked you to the life line, and as that Huey roared, the medic gave his life, so easily, for yours.

The deepest scars, I've never known, are what the brother in arms sacrifices, for the brother his own!"


Happy Memorial Day, to all those before and still serving! I couldn't do what I do without you being out there on watch.

Thanks,
LB