so yesterday was Veteran’s Day?
Ya…no one told me that. I thought all those people on facebook were just really ready for Veteran’s Day. Apparently it was yesterday and we are observing it today, which is really a good thing because today is my dad’s birthday and being celebrated in two ways is just overkill. He’s totally the type that would let something like that go to his head. Soooo….happy birthday, Pops!! Hope you have a great day!!
I wanted to repost this from last year because I liked it…enjoy! And thank you, Veterans!
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My dad is a vet, as in a Veteran.
He served in Vietnam, ’70-’71.
His stories would haunt anyone forever.
Stories of night watchmen mysteriously missing in the morning, finding nothing but dog tags and boots, all suspicions pointing to tigers at night.
Stories of lost friends, people loosing their sanity, children with prostitute mothers,
friends beside you one minute, then gone the next…gone all except for a helmet.
My dad carried his friend that had passed for 3 days through the jungle
so he could get his body somewhere so it could be sent home, instead
of left in the trees.
Heartbreaking stories.
Stories you can’t imagine someone actually living. Especially not someone you love.
Especially not your dad.
He chose to go. He enlisted.
If you knew my dad, this wouldn’t surprise you.
Veterans day for me always makes me think of him. Always always will.
I’ve read his letters he wrote home to his mama.
I’ve seen the photos.
I’ve heard the stories…the ones he’ll retell…some will be in his memory bank forever, never to be retold.
I can’t imagine him there.
A jungle.
20-years-old.
If he hadn’t made it I wouldn’t be here.
My kids wouldn’t be here.
He wears a ponytail to this day, homage to his ’60’s days I’m sure.
His bravery amazes me.
Makes me proud.
Makes my heart swell.
He, along with others I know:
Nick
Dustin
Alex
Angela
Pete
Uncle Johnny
Grandpa Henry
Grandpa Jack
Micheal
John Q.
Sam S.
Josh B.
Proud…and thankful.
When I was a Junior or Senior in high school, we watched this documentary…Letters Home from Vietnam.
While we watched, I disrupted the whole class and made the teacher rewind it…
I knew I had seen my dad on the video.
I found the clip on youtube.
If you feel like pausing at 1:01, that’s my dad on the ground with the cig.
“Happy Veteran’s Day” doesn’t quite seem to cut it, but I think to just remember is enough to them.
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We salute you, men and women, that are way more brave than I could ever think to be.
xo,
{alicia}
Thank you to your father for enlisting and serving our country so proudly. God bless him.
I loved it last year and love it this year. Happy birthday to your dad! Thankful for his service!!
Thank you for sharing you fathers story. My grandfather served in Korea..I honor his memory this day {observed…we missed the memo too..lol}
What a beautiful post, Alicia. It brought tears to my eyes. The video is so cool … what a neat thing to have!
Thank you to your father and the bravery of so many others that have been fighting for our freedom. What a wonderful way to show honor to your father.
thank God for brave, selfless men and women like your father!
And happy birthday to him, too! 🙂
i was confused about it being yesterday, too?!
xo
have a great week!