Saturday, May 10, 2008

My Dad, My Hero

I know that it is "Mother's Day" weekend, but with all of the talk about Military appreciation this month I have been thinking a lot about my dad. My dad is retired Army and I am, and always have been, proud to say that he served in Vietnam. Regardless of how anybody feels about it, he did what his country asked him to do, and I have nothing but respect for him. I have also been thinking a lot about Connie and her husband Josh, and their little girl. I just want to say that when that girl gets older she will be so proud of her parents for the sacrifices they have made.
In 1997 I had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. When I went to the wall it made such an impact on me, I couldn't stop crying. I think that is the moment in time that I saw my dad as more than just my father, that was the day I saw my father as a man, and as a hero. That night when I got back to my hotel I knew I had to do something to pay tribute to my dad, so I sat down and wrote him this poem. Now I would like to share it with all of you to show my appreciation to those of you who are serving, or have served, our country; as well as everyone who does their part here at home to support them.

My writing books are all in storage, so I had to do this from memory, hope I got it all.



My Dad, My Hero

I can't say I understand what you went through over there
but after today I have a better idea
when I looked at the names on that beautiful wall
it didn't take long for the teardrops to fall
they taught us in school about Vietnam
they told us many were killed
but to read the names row by row
makes it all much more real
standing there something touched me deep in my soul
I couldn't explain it, but now I know
I saw children of soldiers copying names
and suddenly realized I wasn't the same
we were fortunate because you came home
a lot of their fathers were never known
now as I think back on all I've done wrong
I realize I've taken you for granted for far too long
now I want to tell you what I've always known
but couldn't see
Daddy, you always have been and always will be
a hero to me


13 comments:

FLHX_Dave said...

You didn't tell me you wrote poetry? Very touching. What else can I say. Thanks for the thoughts.

Lady R (Di) said...

Gosh B.B....I got a little teary reading this. My Dad is my hero too, and any day is a good day to honor Dad. Thanks for sharing.

IHG said...

What a great poem. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Dean "D-Day" said...

From one poet to another I simply say, "Beautiful". You honor with your words all who have served. Nice job.

B.B. said...

Thanks for the nice comments, they mean a lot. The funny thing is that even though I wrote that for my dad over ten years ago, I have never given it to him. It's still hard for him to talk about his experience over there and I worry about stirring up bad memories. But his birthday is on Memorial Day, and I think I might give it to him then. Anyways, thanks again.

-Connie said...

That poem is beautiful. It made me a little teary-eyed! Thanks for sharing with us! And thanks for the prayers! I really appreciate it!

Dean "D-Day" said...

Interesting...
Your dad and I share a birthday.

"Joker" said...

Bec that was just...I don't know what to say. Imagine that, Joker at a loss for words!

I'll always feel the way returning troops from Vietnam were treated was an embarrassment to our country. It was a shameful episode of ingratitude towards brave men who suffered and gave their all for the rest of us. My thanks to your Dad for his service, and to you for honoring him.

I don't know your Dad obviously, but somehow I think he'll be touched by your poem, and I do hope you present it to him. Thank you for sharing something so private with us.

Ann said...

Wow...that was a great poem!

The Veitnam vets got a bum rap coming back to the states. It was just wrong. Even now I support our troops over there...even if I don't agree with the reason why they're over there.

My Dad was always my hero, too, BB. We lost him 3 years ago and I miss him more than you can know.

B.B. said...

Connie- Thank you, and your welcome. :)

Joker & Ann- Our country did treat them so bad when they came back. My dad said that when he returned his C.O. told them to change into civilian clothes so they wouldn't be harassed. My dad and several others refused, and they were spit on and had stuff thrown at them. I can only imagine how bad that must make someone feel. It makes me happy now to read about the Patriot Guards, every soldier deserves a homecoming where they can feel proud, not ashamed.

Ann- I'm sorry about your dad. That is the greatest loss I can imagine.

Mimi said...

It's a beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing.

B.B. said...

Thanks Mimi.

Ronman said...

B.B.

I've never seen the wall in D.C. I was fortunate enough to escort a replica of the wall last year and to return and visit it as well. Seeing all the names and the things that people leave there touched me deeply. I have a couple posts regarding this if you look back at my 2007 list.

The sacrifices that these men and women along with their families make is beyond anything I can imagine. My Daddy was in the Army during WWII. In fact all my unlces served as well. All of them are gone now. I lost Daddy 10 July 1987. Someday maybe I'll tell you more about him.

All I can say is I'm proud to be an American and I thank God everyday for these brave men and women who keep us free.

Ronman