Last Monday, the action was at city halls and in city cemeteries, where those who've lost their lives in the service of their country were lauded, and those who have gone before were remembered.
A delightful veteran of World War II told us to be happy with life "even on bad-hair days." With a charming sense of humor, he mixed a lecture or two in with stories of a difficult life and difficult losses but strong faith. He told of his experience during the war, of waiting at the end of an air strip for the 11 other planes that took off with him for a sortie over Europe. None of them returned. He told of playing his trumpet -- his comfort in trials -- despite the threat of a sniper, and meeting that sniper -- who had been unable to shoot -- later.
A dignified general who has served in many capacities including in leadership in post-war Europe and who had flown many missions in Southeast Asia, told us that there is no greater calling than to serve, and that those who march, fly or sail off around the world to secure and preserve our freedoms are doing just that. Freedom is something to be cherished, he said, and to protect it, many servicemen and women have offered their lives.
To those who serve, to those who have served, we salute you.
