Day 378

Today is a day when we remember and honor those who have served. Before heading down to the Anoka Memorial Ceremony, I asked my husband who he remembers on this day.

Having been in a rifle company in Vietnam, Mac saw an incredible amount of action while there. One of the men he holds deep within his heart was a man named Christopher Hayes. During a fire fight, Chris stood beside Mac (who was a medic) while my husband worked on a soldier who had been hit. Even though he ran out of ammunition, this hero stayed by Mac's side to do what he could to protect the "doctor and patient." To this day, my husband can't understand why he didn't even get a scratch, although he was only about 20 feet from those firing at them. Christopher lost his life serving his country and protecting my dear Mac. Those are the kind of individuals we honor on this day.

The ceremony was lovely, well-attended and meaningful. After it was over, we headed over to Anoka's Forrest Hill Cemetery to visit a couple more heroes. These men served our country, but did not die in battle...thank goodness, since one was my father!

First, a stop to honor my amazing dad. He served in WWll over in Italy. Being in the Army Air Force, he did not make the final cut for pilot, but was the operations officer of the 455th Bomb Group (flying B-24s). I remember him telling my that, as the planes returned from a mission, he would stand out on the tarmac to welcome them back. When a plane was not in the formation, my father said his heart ached...knowing they would not be returning.

The other military hero is our own beloved ghost, Colonel Giddings. We always spend some time at his grave site and clean away some of the weeds and clutter. Colonel Paul Giddings served on the Western Frontier before residing in our home. He was a hero in his own right!

Today, we honor those who willingly gave their full measure serving the United States as well as all those who have served in the armed forces. Typically, we tend to take our freedoms for granted, but not today. On this day, I was humbled by the stories of sacrifices, devotion and respect.

All in all, it was a great day full of smiles, tears, empathy and gratitude. It was an honor to simply be present in the midst of those who protect us, past and present.