Words for the Journey

Today I had the pleasure of attending Seacoast Salutes!  It was held in Portsmouth and helps support our Veterans!  I got out my black leather vest that my niece gave to me after my dad, a Marine and WWII Veteran that his boots first hit foreign soil on Iwo Jima, died of lung cancer in 2011.  She had it made with all his Marine information and logo on the back.  What an incredible keepsake it is to me.   I had so many people come up to me and start conversations.  We laughed, cried, and hugged.  It is an amazing bond amongst Veterans and families.  It was a sad and happy afternoon.  It brought back so many memories of my dad.  He did not talk about the war at all.  Of course, The Greatest Generation did not.  I have so many regrets of not knowing so many things about my dad, him serving and where he fought……regrets…not a good word, but I cannot change anything that I did or did not do, and have to keep reminding myself of that.  I try very hard to encourage those fortunate enough to still have their mom or dad who served, to ask, interview them if you will…do whatever you can to hear their story.  I am blessed to have my dad’s dog tags and his flag that I received when he died…..priceless…..so here is to an awesome afternoon and a “Thank you Dad” for  your service…….miss you dearly....