On this day, I always try to pay tribute to current and past members of our military service. It might be something as simple as flying the American flag but it is heartfelt.
My grandfather was in the Canadian Army during World War I. He served with some distinction as a machine gunner and he lost many comrades at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France. As kids we were fascinated by the collection of items found in the attic including a gas mask, helmet and piece of shrapnel that had been pulled from his body.
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| Norval H. MacPhail in full uniform |
My father served in the Canadian Navy during World War II. He worked in the sonar room of a frigate, listening for enemy ships in the North Atlantic. His ship captured a German U-boat off the coast of Newfoundland at the end of the war. Unlike my grandfather, my father didn't talk much about his service. There are so many things I wish I'd asked him. . .
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| one of several newspaper clippings my dad saved |
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| I can't get over how excited my dad looks in this picture |
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| William Lee Wendell |
I spent some time this afternoon at the cemetery. A young man dressed in camouflage wandered among the graves marked with flags. I watched him stop to read a headstone before he moved on to another, and another, and another.
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I've always known I don't have what it takes to be in military combat but I was blown away by this 60 Minutes story last night. The story focused on a young man who is the first living person to receive the Medal of Honor since Vietnam. His courage and humility was stunning. When you have a minute, sit down and watch this.
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