Memorial Day is drawing to a close, but I can’t let it end without sharing some of my thoughts. It has been a great day. I have been trying to “practice what I preach” today and make this Memorial Day more than just another day of fun in the sun. I will say unapologetically, that we did have some great fun in the sun today! My daughter Casey and her troop came over last night and stayed until mid afternoon today. We had all the grandkids last night and then a full day of fun in the pool at John and Angela’s house today. The Grandkids had a great time and wore G-Daddy out! However, the day was not absent from time to think, ponder, and remember.

In the course of my “day of remembering,” I found myself missing A.W. Chapman and H.W. Owens, two of my all time favorite military vets. Johnny Chapman is Beth’s dad. He died many years ago now, but we continue to miss him greatly.  I always think of him on Memorial Day because of his distinguished military career. He served in the army during two wars. He was a sharpshooter and retired after 20 years of service.  He didn’t speak much about his service years, but was a proud soldier. We still have memorabilia in our house that remind us of his service days. We have a large shell casing, his helmet, his field jacket, and several other items scattered around the house. We are most proud of his years of service. While I am extremely proud of that service, I am even more thankful for the man that he was and for the way he raised my wife. I often think of the promises that I made to him 35 years ago. Promises to love and cherish his daughter; promises to provide for her and protect her; promises to be faithful to her in all things. I can honestly and humbly say that I have done my best to keep those promises. Of course, my beautiful wife has made keeping those promises easy. I sometimes wish that he was still here so that he could know that she is taken care of and that she is very happy. I sometimes wish there was some way that I could communicate with him that I have and will continue to keep my promises to him until death parts us. I sometimes wish that he could tell me that he approves of me as a son-in-law! On this day when we remember those who have faithfully served our country, I want to say that I am thankful for Sgt. A.W. Chapman. I salute you sir!

Another man who had a great impact on our family is my Uncle H.W. Owens. After Beth’s father died and my Aunt died, Uncle Hubert and Beth’s mother Jackie got married. They were happily married for almost 20 years before a battle with cancer separated him from the body and ushered him into heaven. Since Beth’s father died while our children were still quite young, Uncle Hubert quickly became “grandaddy” to them and their children. Uncle Hubert retired from the Air Force after faithful years of service. I am also proud of his stellar military career, but even more proud of the kind of man he became. He was a great man morally, ethically, and most of all spiritually! On this day when we remember those who have faithfully served our country, I want to say that I am thankful for H.W. Owens. I salute you sir!

A friend of mine passed something along to me that really got my attention. She said that today she had taken her grandchildren to the cemetery to place a flag on her father’s grave. I asked Beth if we might do the same next year. I would like to take my grandchildren to her daddy’s grave and to Uncle Hubert’s. I would like to place flags on their graves and explain to my grandchildren a little of the meaning of Memorial Day. I would like to talk with them about their grandaddys and the great impact they have had on their lives. I hope my children will travel with us as well. I want my children and grandchildren to know their heritage and that their grandfathers (and of course their Papa) were men of great courage and valor; men of integrity and men to pattern their lives after. I don’t want them to miss out on the richness of their heritage!