My father's condition made it impossible for him to live alone, so earlier this year he went to live at a local veteran's home. The facility is lovely and the care he is given is excellent. I went to spend some time with him today, and as I drove up the road to the Soldier's Home, I couldn't help but notice the road was lined with American Flags. Today is Veteran's Day.
My Dad served in the US navy. This photo was taken in 1944 when Dad was 19. I am fortunate to have his Navy uniform. (My dad was a small-built man, and the waistline on the wool bell bottom pants is about 24".) The Soldier's Home had a very moving ceremony today, as I knew it would. After the usual singing of Star Spangled Banner and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the names of all the Veteran's who passed away at the "Home" since May 2008 were read and the families in attendace stood and were presented with a red rose. When this ceremony and various speeches were over taps was played; that music always brings tears to my eyes and today was no different.
I brought some balloons to decorate Dad's wheelchair. This is a terrible picture of me, but not too bad of Dad. So I decided to let him have the 'good picture' day today to honor his service. It was a very moving experience to be in a room with Veteran's from 96 years of age and down.
We owe these men so much...so very much.
2 comments:
wow what a wonderful picture of the two of you....and the meaning behind it.
Joanne what a nice photo of you and your dad. My father was in the Navy also the same time your dad was. He was a Chief Signalman and retired after the war in Korea. Your daddy was quite the handsome man!
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