A Memorial Day Tribute...

With a heart filled with gratitude and a sense of deep respect, I’d like to say thank you to those who have served, or are serving in our armed forces. Thank you, beyond what I can express in words, for your patriotism. For your bravery. For your love and loyalty to this country and to your fellowman. For your sacrifices…sacrifices for those of us who call ourselves civilians cannot even begin to fathom. Likewise, this expression of gratitude is extended to your families as well. Most of you have also sacrificed much during or because of your loved ones’ service to our country. A thousand times over, thank you.

This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. I am the daughter of a man who sacrificed greatly for this country. My father was a WWII veteran, or more specifically, a Disabled American Veteran. A man who left for war with his health intact and gratefully returned, but never to be the same again.

With limited knowledge, because he wouldn’t talk about the war, I knew it was a hell he never wished to remember. Yet, he never could forget.

When he passed away this past July, I will forever cherish the memory of his fellow servicemen performing the traditional firing of the rifles used to honor a Veteran. It is a beautifully haunting sound. Its effect chills me to the core. In fact, the empty shell cases still sit on my desk, a tangible reminder of my dad and the many others who gave so much of themselves.

May I never forget …freedom is not free. It comes at an excruciating cost.

One of my favorite photos of my father as a young boy.