ivans
07-24-2011, 12:22 PM
Recently we attended a bridge dedication ceremony for the fallen son of some close friends. This was a boy I watched grow up to become a man and give his life for our freedom.
In the middle of the dedication ceremony a pair of Blackhawk helicopters from Ft. Campbell, KY flew directly overhead and then turned in perfect formation to head for home base. Michael was in the 101st Airborne - based at Ft. Campbell - the irony of the flyover was not lost on his dad or I. Why at that moment in time, at that bridge?
We asked Michael's commanding officer that was at the dedication if the flyover was planned. The officer replied that it was not planned and that it was simply a coincidence. The officer, Michael's dad and I just looked at each other; no further words were spoken but the tears flowed quite freely. Michael's Dad is a former Marine - two tours in Desert Storm - another hero in my book.
Michael died a bit over a year ago in Afghanistan, a month ago his mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, never smoked a day in her life. This family are simply good people, somethings in life I just don't understand.
I saw a picture on another forum today that prompted me to write this.
Taken at the National Cemetery in Minneapolis on a June morning as it appeared in the Minneapolis Star/Tribune.
http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/630*399/1tevlin0626.jpg
The symbology in this photo needs to evoke emotion in everyone of us. We owe everything to these people, simply everything....
Our Eagle
Our Flag
Our Rights
Our Freedom
Our Thanks
Dan
In the middle of the dedication ceremony a pair of Blackhawk helicopters from Ft. Campbell, KY flew directly overhead and then turned in perfect formation to head for home base. Michael was in the 101st Airborne - based at Ft. Campbell - the irony of the flyover was not lost on his dad or I. Why at that moment in time, at that bridge?
We asked Michael's commanding officer that was at the dedication if the flyover was planned. The officer replied that it was not planned and that it was simply a coincidence. The officer, Michael's dad and I just looked at each other; no further words were spoken but the tears flowed quite freely. Michael's Dad is a former Marine - two tours in Desert Storm - another hero in my book.
Michael died a bit over a year ago in Afghanistan, a month ago his mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, never smoked a day in her life. This family are simply good people, somethings in life I just don't understand.
I saw a picture on another forum today that prompted me to write this.
Taken at the National Cemetery in Minneapolis on a June morning as it appeared in the Minneapolis Star/Tribune.
http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/630*399/1tevlin0626.jpg
The symbology in this photo needs to evoke emotion in everyone of us. We owe everything to these people, simply everything....
Our Eagle
Our Flag
Our Rights
Our Freedom
Our Thanks
Dan