Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off to summer. There is a smell in the air that takes me back to childhood days. Lilacs are in bloom. Grass is being constantly cut putting it’s own smell in the air. Add in flowers, trees and bushes and you complete the picture. Plymouth always had a Memorial Day parade ending at the local cemetery. There were boring speeches completed with a 21 gun salute to all those who have given their lives for our country. As kids we would collect as many empty gun shell casings as possible and keep them for souvenirs.
This morning as I did my exercise program, the fragrance in the air was the same as years gone by. Too bad I can’t capture the moment forever. Hey, maybe in my mind I did.
My Uncle Bob served in World War II.
My Dad served in World War II.
My Uncle Jerry (my Mother’s brother) served and retired from the Navy Sea-Bees after 20 years. He had multiple tours of Vietnam. He was exposed to a spray that killed plants and trees called “agent orange”. Ugly stuff.
My brother Jack served at the end of the Korean conflict in the Navy. A bone tumor ended his career with a permanent disability.
My brother Jerry was drafted during Vietnam era. He was fortunate to never leave the contiguous United States. A stint in Vietnam was always an order away.
Grandson Collin is one year into a five year enlistment in the Marines. He is trained in aircraft maintenance with an active tour beginning into the Pacific theater. May the good Lord look afer him.
My respect and Thank You goes out to all those who have served and risked their lives so we can be free. It seems in these days of greed and chaos we forget how fortunate we are.
Have a nice Memorial Day weekend.
Love,
Dad