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"Mommy, can I pin the medal on grandpa's uniform today?" I asked.
"No
dear this is not the time or the place," she responded.
My
young years did not make me understand. I went to my father and said,
"Daddy can I pin the medal on grandpa’s uniform today?
My
father looked at me for a long time, as if pondering the weight of the
universe and replied, "Yes, you can. But first do you know what the
medal means?" he queried.
"I
guess it means he served in World War Two and did brave stuff." I
responded.
"Let's sit down and I will tell you a story before we go see your
grandpa. During the battle of Okinawa, he personally attacked a
machine gun nest and saved the lives of his company. Then, during
Truk Island, he carried off his wounded commanding officer during the
heat of battle, saving his life.
"During the retaking of some of the other islands, he carried ammo to
men that were almost out. During the battle he was wounded and yet
still fought because he felt he made a difference.
"Well, he received two bronze stars, a silver star, purple heart, and
the medal of honor, presented by President Truman himself. Your
grandpa, being shy, kept the honors quiet and kept the ribbons and
awards in a drawer, to be worn only during special ceremonies.
"Now
do you understand about your grandpa?" my father asked.
I was
in awe of my grandfather. He always treated me so gentle and with all
the love in the world. He told me once he treated me so because of
all the anger, evil, and hurt he had seen.
"Love" he said, "balances out all the bad in the world."
"Yes. I understand." I looked at my father.
"Then
let’s go and you can put the medal on his uniform," stated dad.
We
drove for about 15 minutes, the medal weighing heavy in my lap. I
tried to think about what it must have been like for my grandpa, but I
couldn't imagine how it must have been.
We
pulled into the driveway where grandpa was and entered the building.
I walked up to the casket where grandpa was dressed in his army
uniform and I pinned his country's pride upon my grandpa’s uniform.
"Thanks grandpa, thanks. Thanks for your sacrifice and my freedom."
I
tearfully gave him a Boy Scout salute, and then waited for the
service.
B.J.
Cassady
Guthrie, Oklahoma
Dedicated to all those whose
service has made us free…
(Published in 'More Patriot
Hearts') |
