Friday, November 11, 2011

Veterans Day 11/11/11

I lost my dad 3 weeks ago today.  At the cemetary the honor guard was there to play Taps and present my mom with a flag for his service in WWII.  It was the most incredibly touching experience I have ever had.  I have always been very proud of my dad and I miss him so much. 



Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain

When you awaken in the mornings hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night

Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.



The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918
The day The War to End All Wars ended.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
between the crosses row on row
that mark our place; and in the sky
Scarce heard among the guns below

We are the dead.  Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset go
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields

Take up our quarrel with the foe!
To you from falling hands we throw
the torch - be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die
we shall not sleep, though
poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

If only it really had been the war to end all wars................

23 comments:

Fuzzy Tales said...

We're sending you gentle purrs today, and remembering and honouring all those who have served.

Hannah and Lucy said...

Mum wanted us to tell you how much she liked your post today - Veterans Day for you and Remembrance Day for us in the UK.
Lessons never learned and still men and women die in conflict.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

Barb said...

Your last sentence stole my thoughts. If only it had, indeed.

Big hugs xoxo

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

this made me boo hoo out loud, honey i am so sorry and i wish i could give you a hug. let sammy whap something today, k? *sniff*

hugs, bee
xoxoxoxoxo

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Good thoughts. That was a most beautiful remembrance.

TabbyNormal said...

We agree, if only it had been the last war ever. Luckily there are still brave men and women like your Dad was. Sending purrs to all of you!

The Florida Furkids said...

Beautiful post! (((Hugs)) purrs and prayers to you today.

The Florida Furkids and Angel Sniffie

Oui Oui said...

Thanks, we can never be reminded too many times of the wars that came before and the people who fought in them. Our condolences to you for your dad. Its a great honor to be buried at Arlington!

Anonymous said...

Lots of purrs for you today.

Jans Funny Farm said...

Thanks to your dad and so many others for fighting for our freedom. I can imagine you do miss him. Sending another hug.

Jan

The Island Cats said...

Purrs to you today...veterans like your dad are the true heroes.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

Purrs to you today, and purrs of gratitude to all those who served.

Anonymous said...

We also agree, if only it had been the last war. Hugs and purrs!

Mickey's Musings said...

Lovely post today. Hugs for you too. My Dad was a veteran too and passed away Nov 4,2004
We are grateful for the Vets and and what they did and we are proud of our Dads,right?!!

Jenny said...

Hugs and prayers are coming your way from us...

Love,
The Whiskers & Purrs Gang...and mommy Jenny, too

Two French Bulldogs said...

Happee Veteran's Day
Benny & Lily

meowmeowmans said...

What a lovely tribute to your dad, and to the others who have served to ensure our freedom. We send you purrs and prayers of comfort today.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

What a special post and pawesome tribute!

I'm sure he misses woo too!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Angel Prancer Pie said...

We're sendin purrs and whisker kisses on this Veteran's Day to you. We remember all those who served.

Ivan from WMD said...

Purrs to you, especially on this day. And thank you to all of them.

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

What a lovely tribute to your dad.

Happy birthday to Nicky.

Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs said...

Happy birthday to Nicky!!!!
What a moving tribute to your Dad, comforting purrs.

Just Ducky said...

Hugs and purrs to you. It is on these types of days when we miss our passed loved ones the most.

Good bye my sweet Nicky

 Good bye my sweet sweet Nicky.  You has a hard time sometimes with your brain injury, but you were always so sweet.  I love you to the moon...