Nov

Happy Veteran’s Day

Posted by: DaronFraley in Holidays, Patriotism and Politics

My father was in the National Guard. Grandpa Fred Fraley was in the Navy in WWII. I still have his navy cap and his navy training manual. My father-in-law Wilmer ‘Doc’ Farley (no, that is not a typo) was in the Army in Korea, and both of his brothers served too: Lowell, in the Air Force, and Darrell, in the Marines (I think). My mother-in-law tells me that one day Doc saw Darrell walk over a hill towards him, and they had a short, surprise-reunion there in Korea. My wife also has nephews who both served in Iraq.

My Grandfather Clarence E. Feyhl was in the Army in WWII. We just had his funeral about a month ago, with military honor-guard and flag ceremony. As the cemetery proceedings came to a close, I wanted to go and thank those men and women who came in uniform, with their rifles, to honor my Grandfather, but didn’t get the chance. How many hours of service do these great men and women continue to render at funerals all around the country? Can those hours even be counted?

When I was newly married with only one young daughter and another on the way, I tried to join the Army–to be a Linguist. I wanted to learn Hebrew and Arabic. They rejected me on medical reasons. But I am an Eagle Scout, and continuing to work with the Scouts has added to my own patriotism. Being a part of my great family with so many who have served has been a blessing.

I love our veterans. I have immense respect for them. I have cried when I have heard TAPS at their funerals. Seeing flags presented to widows and children has almost made me sob. I have saluted the flag with a hand over my heart, and at other times when in my scout uniform, with the boy-scout salute. This morning I helped the scouts put up almost 100 flags at homes around our neighborhood, a service which I am pleased to do.

My heart has always been with this great country. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Happy Veteran’s Day. And may God continue to bless and protect this great country. To those of you who are Vets: Thank you. My sincere thanks for your time away from family. My thanks for your patriotism. My thanks for your sacrifices, and even your lives. May you be richly rewarded in heaven for your service.

Tags: Patriotism, Veteran's Day

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 10:32 am and is filed under Holidays, Patriotism and Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

3 comments so far

Jennifer Cox

Beautiful words Daron. Veteran's Day is another one of those holiday's that we need to keep in mind all the year through. We are so blessed in this country to have the freedoms we do and we owe that to all the men and women who sacrifice themselves for it.

Actually, as a youngster I really wanted to be the AF and,be a fighter pilot, but my poor eye sight kept me from that dream. I also have many family members who have had the opportunity to serve our great nation and yes I believe they are receiving some very good rewards right now.

November 11th, 2009 at 11:33 am

L.T. Elliot

Thank you for this beautiful post. I also have family connected to the military and have a great love for the service that they render our country. Even if I didn't, I would still have a great love for our servicemen and women. And I know that my love for my country is nothing to theirs.

November 11th, 2009 at 11:53 am

ali

This was a beautiful tribute Daron. Thank you.

My boys and I went to the West Jordan Veterans parade and ceremony this morning. I am always so touched to see those who have served and to have the opportunity to shake their hands and tell them thank you. I always feel, at these type of events, that they are serving us still. Still looking out for us, telling US thank you.

I am not an American–I am Canadian still. But I love this country and am honored to live here and to benefit from the great sacrifices that have been made on my and my family's behalf.

My FIL served as an airplane mechaninc in England during WWII. My own grandfather served in WWII for the Canadian armed services. My husband has a nephew who is currently serving in Iraq. It is a marvelous thing to be surrounded by people who are willing to give up their lives, their families and our homes in our service.

November 11th, 2009 at 1:51 pm