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On this 4th of July, I see my son in my mind’s eye. He has just been born and I remember that he twice almost didn’t make it to this day. Through incredible miracles he is here and my love for him brings tears to my eyes. I remember him today, as he is far away from me, a United States Marine. I don’t know how he is, or whether he will come home in one year when his 6 year hitch is up (he has a stop-loss order) and my heart aches for his return. But I honor his service and no mother could be prouder.
I remember my late husband, 20 year Navy (Ret.) the gentle giant who served in both Vietnam and the Persian Gulf and so many other places around the world. I watched him die of a heart attack on our living room floor from a heart attack on our 6th wedding anniversary. He loved his country and was very proud to serve her and I was so proud of his service to his country.
I remember a dear friend who lives nearby. I found him years ago, a vet from Vietnam, suffering, and living in a forest preserve as the effects of Agent Orange and PTSD among other things haunted his days. With time and patience, he is now in his own apt. and getting all the care he deserves, his friends and family glad to know he is with them.
I remember another friend from my teenage days, coming home from Vietnam as a member of the 101st Airborne, Screaming Eagles, a paratrooper. He handed me his Purple Heart as he packed his bags to return there one more time with an omen that he might not return which became prophetic a few months later.
I remember going to a cemetery and seeing an unmarked grave with a simple small American flag stuck in the ground at the head of it and no flowers anywhere. It looked rather freshly dug. A few calls later found that he had no family and no funds for a headstone. A few more calls and a local VFW and the Catholic Church who owned the cemetary where he was buried remedied the situation so that his death was properly memorialized. I remember him still.
I remember them all and look for my son’s return. On this day of celebration, please remember them all….all those who have and who do serve in uniform around the world.
Happy 4th of July everyone!
-Melody
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Amid all the sniping, hyperbole and conjecture, a very touching and well written post.
Thank your loved ones Melody for their service and sacrifice. And thank you also for the faith, strength and enduring the pain only a loving mother and wife can understand.
My prayers on your son’s safe return and for all which serve this country so valiantly.
I actually agree with Libby, very touching and well written post. Will keep your son in our prayers. Thank you and yours for your sacrifice to our country
Thank you for your comments…I wiped more than a few tears reading. hope your 4th has been blessed.