I Salute You, I Thank You

My continued thanks to those that are serving, those that have served, and their families.

I think about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and I wish their families strength. I hardly have the words. Many don't.

Thanks.

A couple of months ago, I was sitting at my gate at Dulles Airport waiting to board. On my left was a man in desert camouflage, whom I wouldn't have noticed except that he over used his share of our "shared" armrest. During my wait, a young man on a college baseball team, walked up to my "greedy" neighbor and stuck out his hand for him to shake. He said, "I just want to thank you for what you're doing."

I started to tear up. This young athlete, in one small act of respect, opened my eyes. It has never crossed my mind to pay respects to servicemen/women, except on holidays, or at a homecoming...and even then, I never go out of my way. It's embarrassing to admit to it, especially since a few of my loved family members have served for our country.

The eye opener, was that I know that I'm not alone in this way of feeling/acting. Whether it's due to my naivety, age, or just a sign of the times, this country doesn't feel like it's united.

I have to say this first…I never served…BUT, my Dad did and I'm awfully proud of him. I'm proud to be his son. On March 14, 2008, at the age of 94 years, 6 months, and 1 day, he went to be with the Lord. This past week, just in time for Memorial Day, they placed a brass plate on his grave "1st Lt, US Army, WWII" Mom hasn't picked out their stone yet, so other than the small plate the funeral home places, it's the only thing marking his resting place.

My father was 28 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He had been building roads for nearly ten years at the time, and running his own crew for six. He tried to get into the Seabees (to build airstrips), but was deferred because of a hole in his eardrum. Had they taken him, he wouldn't have met my mother, who he married in December 1942. He enlisted in the Army and left for basic a couple of weeks after they wed. The Army found no hole in his eardrum…funny thing about life's twists and turns.

Dad kicked around several bases in the South as a PFC for over a year and it really ticked him off. He had enlisted to "kill Japs", and the Army had him running draglines and other types of equipment on, as he saw it, "make work" projects. At one point he was placed in a psychiatric ward for two weeks for saying something to an officer you just don't say. Then he was accepted to OCS.

Over 450 started in his OCS class; fewer than 90 graduated. Dad was orphaned at the age of eight; quit school at thirteen in order to work to help his grandmother who raised him. Harvard and Yale graduates started OCS with dad, but they weren't there on graduation day. Dad told me about studying under the covers with a flashlight after lights out. He was also the top marksman in his class (see "kill Jap's" above).

It was late '44 when Dad graduated, and D-day was well past. He had orders to the Jacksonville, Fl Shipyard and was the Army rep outfitting Victory ships; now gearing up to move men and material from Europe to the Pacific (the man could tie more knots than any sailor I ever knew). Dad got his discharge, and went home to farm with my Mom's dad. He never left the states, but he did stay in the reserves for several years, where he made 1st Lt.

Dad was always proud of his service to our country. He was proud that he (the dropout) did what those Ivy League guys could not. To say that his service defined him as a man would be an understatement.

Yesterday (Saturday) I went with my mother to his grave to place a wreath she has been keeping since the funeral. The Legion had gone through and placed flags on the graves of the veterans as they do every Memorial Day. They missed Dad's grave somehow (I assume they look for the brass plates, and his wasn't placed until after they placed the flags). I had a flag that the Legion gave us the day of Dad's funeral, and my wife and I went after church this morning and placed it on his grave. I had to.

ol'Simmon's I have enjoyed reading your blogs daily while I have been here in Iraq. Can't wait to get back and tee it up with you and the people at the Phil. keep up the good work with the blog it makes the time over here go bye easier.

VA4Lovers: I remember getting your note, it made my day. I have my classes at school write notes to overseas service men and women periodically, doesn't exactly fit into a math curriculum, but so far no one has complained, I guess I'm lucky to teach in the Heartland. I've made it a habit to try and thank men and women in uniform (military, police, fire...) whenever I see them, of course with my background they are never far from my thoughts.

Was just listening on the radio to Jerry Coleman, former Yankee second-sacker and 5 year veteran of WWII and Korea. He talked about his experiences and his relationship with HoF Ted Williams and how much Williams sacrificed by giving up prime years of his career. But, Coleman said that the only real heroes were the 400,000 that died and the 70,000 still missing. He obviously was being very humble, I'd say most of the 10 million that served during WWII deserved to be called heroes. I know all those serving overseas now sure are. Thank you, veterans and may God bless you and your families.

Between the 5th & 6th inning yesterday the Miners & the Cards were asked to go out onto the field, and all in attendance were asked to stand, so we could pause and thank our veterans while God Bless America played over the loud speakers...it was a very touching moment in the day for me. All the players had removed their caps to place them over their hearts, and so did most of us spectators. As the song played we all had our eyes focused on our flag that waved high over the outfield. I silently thanked all who are serving and have served as I listened to the words and music...and I thought "This is good." Then immediately I thought of those haunting words by Jeremiah Wright..

Shrug.

Way to go Cards!

Sorry about that typo folks-it was North Knox we beat, not the Miners.