The Doctor's blog: "In My Life"

As most of you know, I am an army brat from birth.  If you have read the "In My Life" blogs,  you also know I have been many places and done many things, courtesy mostly of my Uncle Sam.  You may have noticed my status yesterday "Miss you Dad. RIP"  I do sorely miss him, he passed on in April of 2002.  He had served in the Army for 26 years.  He was very active in the 40 & 8 Organization, and he and mom had many friends all over the world.  Through all the good times, and the bad times (the 18 year old who knew it all, lol) we made our peace.  I am still a member of the Sons of the American Legion, and these veteran organizations do a lot for our troops, vets and those we need to remember.  It is at this time of year, Memorial Day weekend that I have the fondest memories of dad, even though I didn't get to see him much during this time.  You see, dad was heavily involved in what is called the Tri-Grande Memorial Day Festivities.  Anyone from the DC area knows about the 40 & 8 and the Tri Grande festivities.  Dad was always in the middle of it on the committee and always doing something.

This is a mention of my most memorable Memorial Day Weekend because it happened the month after his passing.  I had always looked for dad on TV, for he was always with his fellow forty and eighters, legionnaires and veterans at the laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.  Yet, I did not know the activities that were put forth.  On that Saturday and Sunday, many people, some I knew and most I didn't were still telling me how sorry they were for my loss.  I barely remember what we did during the course of those two days, I know there was a meal and a tour to a lighthouse and boats and stuff, but it was the Monday that sticks in my mind.

We boarded a bus at the Greenbelt Legion (if memory serves me correctly) and headed down to the Arlington National Cemetery.  Our bus had special privileges.  Before we disembarked to the amphitheatre, we toured Arlington National Cemetery and stopped at 2 graves.  I only remember one grave in particular, Jack" Pershing, who commanded the United States Armies in Europe from which members of the American Legion formed the 40 & 8.

After this we headed to the Amphitheater and the "Tomb of the Unknowns" where traditionally the President or his designated representative, would place a wreath at the Tombs.  What is not seen is that many of the Veteran Organizations, the American Legion, the 40 & 8, the VFW and so many more that I can't even begin to name (or even knew they existed) would place wreaths also at the Tombs.  The changing of the guard at the Tombs and all the respectful silence before the 21 gun salute and "Taps."

Many have forgotten why Memorial Day exists, except to barbeque and sales or day off work.  The true meaning is getting lost.  Even when most of the people did not like the President personally, they still respected the office and the position of the "Commander in Chief" because this all about those that served to protect our freedom and this great country called America.  Not just those that died in battle but also those that died after serving in battle or in the forces itself, because these are the men and women who put their lives on the line daily to protect one document, the Constitution of the United States of America, one idea - Freedom, and one people Americans.

So dear reader, as we celebrate Memorial Day, thank a vet and mourn with them for their lost comrades, because they are also our comrades.  Mourn with the husbands and wives, children, parents, grandparents and other family and friends who have lost loved ones to protect our freedom, as I will remember them this Monday, for I am grateful to be living in the greatest country on God's green earth, no matter our differences, our religions, our politics we are still and always will be AMERICANS.

I will remember those that served, people I knew and met, and those that I don't know for I have the utmost respect for all who answered the call to defend America, and most of all, I will remember a Master Sergeant, who was a good friend to many, a son and brother, an uncle, a cousin, a husband, but most of all

he was my Dad.