A Special Memorial Day

"Hey Dad."
The grass was manicured. The headstone was glistening in the mid May rain.

"I miss you Dad."

Ever heard the term that silence can be deafening. It can be.

"Dad, your grandson got his purple belt in karate. You'd be so proud. I'm letting his hair grow. I know you'd kick my butt for that, but hey..... Dad I really miss you."

You could hear the rain falling all around.

"This is the first Memorial Day without you. I'll carry on the tradition and this time I'll lead the singing of the STAR SPANGLED BANNER.

"God damn it Dad. How come only now can I say I love you? I never told you this, but you are a hero to me."

The sky is grey, bordering on black. The rain is falling harder.

"Why is it now after 45 years on this earth, that I realize that I am just like you. I'll never be the man that you were, but our thought process is virtually the same. Dad..... I'm doing the best I can for your grandson. He's so cool. He's what is keeping my world together."

A thunder rumbles in the distance.

"Dad. I want to say thank you. You served your country proudly. You did without, so that I could live well. I know how proud you were of that picture of you on duty shaking hands with JFK."

Yep. Dad, I'm going to speak for you.

I bow my head and pray to all of those who have fallen. I stand, back straight, chin held high and salute all who have served. Without all of you I would not be able to sit here and complain that my biggest gripe is the cost of gasoline.

Memorial day is ALOT more than a 3 day weekend.

Thank you Dad. Thank you all.

Behind every great man, is a dad that taught him well.

Originally posted by AccessDenied

Behind every great man, is a dad that taught him well.

Thank you AD, However I'll never be the man he was.

Originally posted by lombozo

Originally posted by AccessDenied

Behind every great man, is a dad that taught him well.

Thank you AD, However I'll never be the man he was.

Dad..... I'm doing the best I can for your grandson. He's so cool. He's what is keeping my world together."

Lombozo, I was referring to your son.
I stand by what I said.

Oh, I don't know about not being the man your dad was, my freind. Seems to me that you're off to a great start. Just my humble opinion, mind you, but I'll bet I'm not the only one who thinks this.

Your dad knows you love him, don't sweat it. He knows.

Very touching...thanks for sharing that with us.

Now I have the sniffles, that's twice you've made me cry on ATS Lombozo!! But it's a nice cry Thanks again...I am so lucky I get to see my Dad today!! Thank you for reminding me of that and thanks for this thread.

Originally posted by jensouth31

Jensouth posted this awhile back. What a beautiful post and link. Fantastic Jen!
Have you ever seen a man trained to be tough as nails break down? I have.
Have you ever hugged a man knowing he was going to die for his cause? I have
Have you ever seen children, and wives cry over a flag covered casket. I have.
Have you ever seen a knock on a front door bearing this news? I have.
Ever saluted with chills during a 21 gun salute? I have.
Ever realize that every time this happens, that a Mamma, a Daddy, A sibling, or a child lost somebody forever? I do know this.
Thank you Jen for this.




[edit on 5-12-2008 by lombozo]