re: PSA: playing Taps are military funerals

quote:

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I’m glad he got that final honor.

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And it’s something you will always have as well. My father fought all over the South Pacific and had plenty of ugly scars to show from it. Landed in a tree, fell on a bayonet, shot in the arse and a couple others from probably just getting drunk with his unit.

In my minds eye, I have a picture of him standing on Fort Walton Beach circa late 60’s he in his mid 40’s still in shape and seeing all those scars. It was like the first time I, as a kid, understood or began to understand the significance of those scars and how they, and the war, shaped the man. He was very proud of his service and always carried himself that way. Head held high and confident which made his family feel safe.

The night he died I went to the back of his closet and brought out his old combat boots that he wore and his shoe shine box-because no one could shine his shoes better than him. (a task he taught all of his sons and one I continue to this day) I sat in my kitchen all night with a nice glass of single malt scotch and shined those boots.

I then sat them on a pedestal next to his casket. He earned those scars, he earned those beat up boots and he earned that honor of taps being played.

I miss that old man, but I have him in my minds eye. Always.