this is my step-pop, Ed.
he turned 80 earlier this month.
Ed fought in WW2, and was on the beach at Normandy on D-Day.
He's never seen "Saving Private Ryan" - didn't see any need to, because the movie was only a remake of the original.
And he was there.
He doesn't like to talk about WW2. Occasionally a story will come out, but it seems to be one of those things that stays in.
It kills me. Being a total history fiend, i want to know more about a time in our history from someone who lived it. From a scrapbooking perspective, well, same thing. It's a layout dying to be made.
Yesterday was my Mom's birthday. Knowing we were having dinner with them, my husband asked me to make a card for Ed, thanking him for his service to our country. He wrote a little something, and we gave it to him at dinner last night.
He laughed at first (which of course made me feel real good!), but as he read what Brendan wrote, it sobered him up. Then, he thanked the husband.
As Tom Brokaw put it, they were the Greatest Generation. And they're vanishing as rapidly as the rain forest.
And it's more of a loss.
Today is Memorial Day. In 1971, Congress passed the law that made it a three day weekend. In 1971, it likely ceased to truly be a Day of remembrance and became the First Three Day Weekend of Summer.
But i remember. Because i see a reason for it at least once a week.
So, for all those, past & present that served our country - the husbands, wifes, brothers, sisters, sons & daughters that gave their lives. Take a moment before the BBQ fires up to remember.
And, to quote R. Lee Emery from the Hubbs favorite show Mail Call:
Semper Fi. Carry On.
3 comments:
My dad was in the national guard. He didn't have to go through half of your step dad but he did his part. I agree with you that a day that is supposed to remember those who help keep this country free has turned into a day not to have to be at work.
P.S. Thank you for all of your comments on my blog. My son tries to play the drums but I think it is only because I do.
I have a good friend who is a Vietnam Vet. He never tells anyone about it...I kinda doubt he ever will. I suspect what he saw was a living hell and he would never want to relive any of it.
Thank your step dad for me too!
I am grateful and I remember. Thank you for your post.
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