0
0
A few years ago my son spent a college semester in Europe. When he returned I asked him what his biggest takeaway was from seeing that part of the world.
“That grandpa and those guys with him saved the world,” he said.
His grandpa was my deceased father who fought in World War II.
For real. Against the Germans.
I didn’t expect my son’s response. I figured he would say something about the beauty of Roman architecture. But he saw evidence of that war around Europe and realized his grandfather fought to make sure America survived, and because of that he, my son, and you and I, have been growing up in freedom, avoiding tyranny.
From time to time my father told me and my five siblings war stories. My favorite was his favorite.
The war had just ended. Americans had won and preserved liberty. To call this a big-time achievement is and always will be a vast understatement.
Aboard a ship from Europe, my Dad described the feeling of pulling into New York’s harbor with family and friends cheering and the song being played “Kiss Me Once and Kiss Me Twice and Kiss Me Once Again.”
One of the greatest moments of his life, Dad said several times.
Must have been. He was part of a victorious mission to save the world and preserve freedom.
This brings us to this week, America’s birthday, July 4th, 2023. That morning while out riding bikes with my wife at the beach we saw ahead of us, unexpectedly, red, white, and blue colors and dozens of people, cars, bikes, scooters, and pinwheels.
It was a Fourth of July parade, one of so many happening all across America today, all perfect in intent, poignant in sentiment, simple in structure and execution. People smiled, babies sat in strollers, and adults waved and chatted. Two adult men sported full-body red, white, and blue leotards. This day brings out flamboyance in people.
My Dad loved parades. He took me to one in Silver Spring, MD one time. We watched one member of the band strut and Dad loved it. Wherever it was, Dad was drawn to a Fourth of July parade.
His favorite holiday was, unequivocally and always, every year – I mean every single year — the Fourth of July. Every year on this holiday he’d get up early, put on his red shirt, droopy white pants, and too-short blue socks. There was a bounce in his step. He went to a different emotional state on this day. He would elevate the spirits of us all. At our beach house, he would lead the ceremony of raising the American stars and stripes up our flagpole. For his kids and our kids, it was a generational ritual of pure patriotism, jubilance, and jocularity.
As a contributor in saving the world, this was the day every year when he would remind himself, and us, of how special that saving the world was and always will be.
Author Profile
-
Sammy Sportface, a sports blogger, galvanizes, inspires, and amuses The Baby Boomer Brotherhood. And you can learn about his vision and join this group's Facebook page here:
Sammy Sportface Has a Vision -- Check It Out
Sammy Sportface -- The Baby Boomer Brotherhood Blog -- Facebook Page
Latest entries
BonusJuly 3, 2024New Mr. America To Swim at Paris Olympics
Radio ShowsJuly 2, 2024ChatGPT’s Predictions for Paris Olympic Swimming
BonusJuly 2, 2024So Aussies, You Don’t Like American Swimming?
BonusJuly 1, 2024Calling for Abstinence In Olympic Village