Veteran's Day

[eimarra]

I'm not exactly the first to post about this today, but it's a bit more acute for me this year.

My dad served in World War II. He was technically too young to enlist, but both of his older brothers had joined the Navy and he told his parents they could help hem or not but he was going to join, too. He it was who told me the Red Cross charged the military for coffee and other supplies. I'd thought maybe he was exaggerating until after Katrina. But I can't apologize now for not believing him.

He died September 13. Another one of the greatest generation gone.

I'd give anything to be able to call him up today and tell him how proud I am of him, how much I admire what he did. I'd like to apologize for not believing him about the Red Cross and to listen to his stories and ask him questions about his service that I will now never know the answers to. I can't.

I'll send e-mail and call my older brother, who did his stint in the Army, of course. That I can still do.

So if you know a veteran, smile, thank them, and maybe listen to their stories before they're gone forever.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Hugs, Erin. I know this must be tough for you today. My dad was also in WWII. He won't talk to me about life back then. He saw a lot of action including the Battle of Bulge. Oddly enough he'll talk to my husband about his army life. And for a school project, my son interviewed him over the phone. He couldn't believe grandpa went through all that and never said anything about it before.

Maripat

[eimarra]

Thanks, Maripat. My guess is your dad is trying to shelter you. His little girl shouldn't hear such things, right? I'm glad he's sharing with your husband and your son.