Many years ago, Mom, Margaret, and I attended Ryan Eisenhardt's graduation from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. We got the full tour of all the academic facilities and pagentry, history and honor were everywhere. The highlight of the occasion was just before the recognition of the graduates in the outdoor stadium and right after the National Anthem. There were four powerful jets in tight formation called the Blue Angels that did a low level fly over. Honestly, you could have reached up and touched the four planes flying in close formation. The ground shook from the power and as they passed, they kicked in more power and peeled away in different directions. If that doesn't give you chills and choke you up, you aren't paying attention.
Some of the "chills" goes back to my childhood. When I was 5-6 years old, my dad and uncle were in the Army and Air Force respectively. Their lives were at risk. It was World War II. They were part of "the greatest generation". There was an ever present fear that your loved one might not return from the War and there were stories of many who never did. I remember gathering around the radio for War updates from announcer Gabriel Heater and drawing the shades when the sirens went off so that enemy aircraft could not see the lights of our communities. Erie!
Then after the War I remember the annual Memorial Day parade which came down Mill Street past the City Club tavern where we lived. The crowds were hugh. Bands, military equipment and marching Veterans. The parade went to the local cemetary where "war dead" were honored with speeches and a 21 gun salute. We as kids always scrambled to pick up the spent bullet cartridges for souvenirs. Memorial Day is always in the spring and everything smells fresh. Cut grass and flowers including my favorite blooming Lilacs.
There was no voluntary draft. If you were able, you served. Many good young people died. You've seen the movie "Saving Private Ryan". It portrays the cruelty of War. Yet most who died understood their sacrifice and believed in the Freedom of the world and Home.
I get chills from Ray Charles singing "America the Beautiful", Blue Angels jets buzzing a stadium and the famous fireman singing the National Anthem before special events after 9/11. I can't help it. I know the sacrifices that were made for me, my family and future generations.
In the recent past, I attended a Badger football game honoring Ron Dayne for the great years he had while attending UW-Madison. Following the National Anthem four reserve air force jets flew over to commemorate the occasion. Yep, I got chills again.
Take a moment on Memorial Day to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The sacrifice was for you and me. To me it seems so close!
Have great weekend.
Love,
Dad
Not 1, but 2 chances to catch the Blues in Wisconsin this year...
June 11-12 Janesville, Wis.
July 16-17 Milwaukee, Wis.