Veteran’s day. Daddy is buried in the Garden of Honor at the cemetery. The folded flag that draped his coffin is on the living room shelf. Local veterans organizations put up flags throughout the cemetery grounds. Someone will place a penny on the plaque marking his grave to show that they came and paid their respects to a fellow veteran. The plaque says he was a dedicated husband and father and recipient of a Vietnam Service Medal. I have always been proud of my dad’s service. Proud to be the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran.
Mom found his dog tags a couple of weeks ago. I hadn’t touched them in decades. Presbyterian it said. He converted to Catholicism when I was in elementary school. At his funeral the flag was removed and I placed a white pall over his casket. A sign of his baptism and Christian dignity.
At the cemetery, three rifle shots, taps played, the flag folded with care. Thank you to all our veterans, and those who honor them.
alittleway 