Monday, May 26, 2014

Remembering...those who served, like my Dad

          Be sure you
          put your feet
          in the right
          place, then 
          stand firm.
                -Abraham Lincoln

My Mom told the story often. It was part of her history
with my Dad. They had only been engaged a short time and
were having breakfast at a diner in Seattle, Washington.
The radio was on and suddenly the whole world stopped.
My Mom described the eggs on her plate. She never forgot
what they looked like. 

It was December 7, 1941 and Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor. 
Suddenly the US was thrust into World War II. My parents 
married on December 22nd and were sent to Texas before my 
Father left for three years overseas.

Three years.
Three long and hard years.

Yet in all the times of reliving those days in a tent, the days
he saw combat, all of the enormous loss of life, what I will
always remember is that my Father never complained. 

Not once. Not ever.

Both of my parents lost so many friends who were serving this country.
The entire football team from Montana State University, never 
came back. They were all my Mom's dear friends.

Not one of them came home.

My Dad once said, "I was too old to go, (he was 28) but I told them there
was no way I wasn't going to serve my country. So they let me in."

No Complaining.
Not once. Not ever.

All over the United States today we are celebrating Memorial Day.
We are celebrating the lives of old soldiers long gone....
We are remembering those who didn't come home after recent service.
We are celebrating the freedom we have because of the gift they gave.

Flags are flying
We are remembering

I've seen the pictures of my Dad in his uniform
His sacrifice of time and care and devotion and love
Makes him a hero in my eyes.
He wasn't the same after those three years.
It changed him to be in a war.
But he loved this country, and proudly served it.
He lost many good friends who never came home.

I love you Daddy, and I won't ever forget!

You and countless other brave Americans
Put your feet in the right place,
and then stood firm!

Tonight, Memorial Day night, we watched an amazing movie on WWII.
Don't miss The Monuments Men

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CreneTs7sGs

God Bless!
Love, Linda


2 comments:

On a Wing and a Prayer said...

Oh my..how this touched me..the whole University of Montana??? and not all came back??? your daddy...your mom??? amazing and so beautiful and YES what sacrifice..they never come back the same...I sure wouldn't I know this!
Thanks for sharing Linda...touched me so much!!! xoxo and much love!

Vicky said...

Oh my goodness- stories like these that need to be told and shared such as you have. So grateful for your father's service and all the others who so unselfishly fought, some losing their lives so that we may live in freedom.

Remembering alongside of you! Hugs and love!

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