Monday, November 10, 2008

Veteran's Day




My dad served in the United States Army in World War II. H left at home a wife and son and traveled to Europe to fight for the country he loved. He came home with lots of medals and even more memories. This picture was taken in August, 2003 - the last time he ever visited my home. He caught that catfish out of "my" lake and was tickled to death with it.

Daddy didn't talk a lot about the war and he wouldn't watch war movies. He said they got it all wrong. He marched across Italy and Austria and Germany; I have a picture of him walking down a street in Paris. He was in a unit which freed prisoners in one of the death camps in Austria and he never forgot. His pride in this country was fierce and his loyalty to the flag was deeply ingrained. He went into the army when he was 21 and when he was 85 he still came to immediate attention when he colors came by and his salute was as sharp as that of a young man. Because of what he was willing to do, and because of what others were willing to do, I am free today. I am free to worship God in whatever way pleases me. I can own a gun and make a speech on any street in any city about anything I choose. I can disagree with what the president does and I can say so. But with the freedoms he fought to preserve for me comes great responsibility. He taught me about those too. Help your neighbor...and don't brag about it. Work hard....love your family....respect others....value yourself.....do what's right. He was a big talker but when it came to the rules for living he didn't talk a lot - he just set the example.

23 comments:

  1. Beautiful tribute to your dad....good for him. I wish that more were like him today....we need more true patriots.

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  2. Good values he lived by. If only more people lived by them today, and passed them on to their children...

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  3. A very good post about your dad. You should be very proud of him.
    I, too, come from a military family - both Mom and Dad were in the Navy (both WWII vets), my DH was in the Army for 10 years (Vietnam-era), and my DS in the AF for 15 years (3 tours in Iraq)! Veteran's Day is special around here!

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  4. God bless your dad, and God bless America!

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  5. As only a loving daughter could write...your love and admiration for her Daddy!

    Blessings to you again today.

    Amelia

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  6. What a fitting tribute on this Veteran's Day.

    We should all remember to take not our freedom for granted. Many fought hard and sacrificed much for it.

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  7. What a beautiful post. Many sacrificed their lives for the freedoms that we have today, and there's always someone lurking in the wings wanting to take them away. Unfortunately I think there are many people today who don't appreciate the freedoms we have.

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  8. I salute your daddy... and am SO thankful for all our veterans!!

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  9. Well said, my sweet sister. Those are memories I love so and miss he and Mom more than words can say. Sherry

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  10. Amen -- my dear, dear Marlene!

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  11. So thankful for your father's great service to our nation, enabling me to enjoy the liberties I daily breathe! Oh, that this generation would adopt such a rhythm to their steps.

    peace~elaine

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  12. What a beautiful tribute. Your dad sounds like and amazing man. Thank you for sharing.

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  13. Thank you for sharing your father with us. He sounds like a wonderful person and must have been a great dad.

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  14. This was a nice tribute not only to your dad but also to all those who served and still are serving. Thank you.

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  15. What a tribute to your dad. I love it and appreciate his service.

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  16. You must be so proud of your Daddy. ;) What a beautiful tribute.
    Lea
    Please stop back by the potting shed later on...
    Lea

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  17. Beautiful post and tribute to your dad Marlene. You have a wonderful way with words.

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  18. Marlene, your tribute to your dad gave me chill bumps as I read it. I can see why you are the person you are ... with him as your role model.

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  19. He sounds EXACTLY like my uncle. Not only did he instill his patriotism and deep love and commitment of family to his children, but was a major influence in shaping my personality. My daily contact with him ended when we left Arkansas, but he never left my heart and I will always love him for his guidance and advice. The United States was made a world power with the sacrifices and values of the World War II veterans.

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  20. Wonderful tribute to your Dad. I salute all who have served and those who are serving today. I am thankful for them all!

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  21. What a lovely tribute to your Dad - thanks for sharing, Marlene.

    p.s. WHEW! I am glad I am not the only with the "whale" issue! ;)

    Blessings!

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  22. Mom, you should warn me....I can't just cry anyplace.
    love you

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