I Have a Purple Heart
I was an Army brat the first few years of my life. I have vague memories (or memories of memories?) of several Army posts; in Georgia, in Arizona, and another place or two. Then my dad was deployed to some place called Korea in 1950.
Three additional memories are a bit more vivid – the day we were notified he was Missing in Action and, sometime later, that his remains had been recovered, and finally, his funeral. I wasn’t allowed to go.
I have a Purple Heart.
He is buried in our home town, and there’s a small memorial in the city park there with his name inscribed. I visit both as often as I can. Even though I was only five or six at the time and will be 65 in about a month I still miss him. I have pictures and memories, and…
I have a Purple Heart.
For many others, like myself, Memorial Day has a face.
I’m heading up to Gettysburg shortly so a line from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address comes to mind easily: “that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion”
So don’t wish me a happy Memorial Day because…
I have a Purple Heart.
Category: Historical, Holidays, Military issues, Politics, Real Soldiers, War Stories
Very well Said!
Amen Zero.
God Bless ya, shipmate. I’ll drink to your father’s memory, and to his good son.
Going to see my brother in Willamette National Cemetery tomorrow.
Sigh.
Well said, Zero. Quite.
I have lasting fond memories of my late father, who was a USAF navigator aboard the C-121 Connies back in the day. He died when I was 13 but a few things stick with me about his service days.
One of the fondest and most lasting memories I have was in ’67 or ’68 waking up for breakfast at about 6 am, and seeing Pop in his bright orange flight suit and black flight boots sitting at the table pouring a can of Hamm’s over a bowl of Rice Krispies.
He was stationed on the West Coast so even as he was in deployments the squadron sometimes came home to McClellan AFB. He retired in 1970.
I do, have, and always will honor his memory and service, & your excellent post today put a real blast of Red White and Blue color into my flag, which given all the craziness around the country and world these days was feeling a bit faded.
Thanks.
Xero you already know how I feel, but you say it better.
Please circulate this to all you know and care about. At the very least educate people on the meaning of Memorial Day versus Veterans Day.
I know that for all who have served or have been close to someone in uniform, Memorial Day is so much more than the beginning of summer. It is a bittersweet time as we reflect on fellow warriors who have given their all, yet we are better people for having served with them.
There is no place like combat to know the true measure of those whom with you served. You cannot soldier for any length of time and not recall comrades who have passed in circumstances ranging from the heroic, to seemingly mundane. The way in which they died aside, their passing reminds of us the cost of freedom. They volunteered to preserve a way of life unique in the history of mankind. For the act of volunteering alone they are heroes.
We all have our Purple Heart.
Nels, Mat, Bill, Oscar, Tom, Darren, Ben; sons, fathers brothers sons…who gave their all. They ask for nothing more that their sacrifice not be in vain. Thank God for men like these and for the roll call of fallen comrades in your Purple Heart.
I still flinch every time I hear it called a Holiday. I have a DD298 with my name, a DD1300 with my Dad’s. Were are both named
Jerry….
I hear ya…
Always Faithful
Never Forget
@ #4- OldCavLT? This is the year I was hoping to be front & center at the Wall. I wanted be there for you, my brother and every man/woman listed on the Wall.
Mostly Panel 3 E.
For what ever reason the names listed are a 7th Cavalry tradition. LTC Hal Moore and the men of the US 7th Cavalry Regiment, you inspired me to be the man I am.
I am and always will be a US 7th Cavalry trooper.
garryowen, sir. *salute*
Hey , Zero? As my old man would tell you were he here with us….*OORAH*, water dawg!
That was a good post, thanks for sharing it.
[…] The first Memorial Day post I’ve read that really moved me. […]
Prayers up for your father, Zero, and for those who gave all.
Thinking of you, your Dad, and so many other patriots on this Memorial Day. Have a good one Zero!