Memorial Day
I wanted to take a moment today and thank the families of the many men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Memorial Day helps us to pause and focus on the brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines that have so faithfully served our nation. I wanted to take a moment and speak of three.
When I think of veterans I am reminded of Tom Day a wonderful veteran who founded Bugles across America. Tom wanted our veterans to have Taps played at their funerals by a real musician. So he started an organization to provide families with musicians to play the 24 note Taps. Together with an army of over 6,000 volunteer musicians, they have provided a special service to the families of veterans who have passed away. In the last 10 years Day’s organization has played Taps at over 200,000 veteran funerals. You can learn more of Bugles across America by going to their website http://www.buglesacrossamerica.org I encourage you to learn more and make a donation as well.
On Friday this week I honor a family member who is returning from duty in Iraq. Col. Mike Herchmer U.S. Army reserve Appleton has served two tours of duty each over one year in length. He comes back to Appleton on Friday. Thanks Mike for your service!
Finally, I remember my own father. A U.S. Marine who was…proud to be a Marine. As my father grew old he suffered from Parkinson’s disease which stole his mind from him and eight years ago this summer, his broken heart failed him, and he went home to be reunited with my mother who passed away 11 months prior. My father represented the best of what being a Marine exemplified. He lived a life of honor, integrity and he loved this country more than anything. He rarely spoke of his service but when he did it was usually to tell me about the great men he served with. SEMPER FIDELIS is the motto of the Marine Corp. It means Always Faithful. That was my dad. He was faithful to my mom, his children, his God and country. He was a giant among men and I remember him this Memorial Day.
