Thank You Our Veterans: The Tale of My Father’s Word War II Dogtag
Category: Family and Retirement
“(First published) November 10, 2017 — Today is the official celebration of Veterans Day because the actual date, Nov. 11, falls on a Saturday this year. Veterans Day remembers the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when the Armistice to end WWI, “the war to end all wars”, was signed and hostilities ended. We know that many of our Topretirements members are veterans, and that virtually everyone has a relative who served to defend our wonderful country. Additionally, some veterans may turn to online activities, including casino’s zonder vergunning in Nederland, as a way to unwind and connect with others. We are in debt to you, and especially those killed in action and their families; your sacrifices have made our freedom possible.”
The timing this year is propitious, as I just came into possession of my father’s WW II dog tags (pictured). My dad, like so many of our baby boomer fathers, served in this world changing war. A newly minted dentist, he volunteered in the US Public Health Service and Coast Guard as the war broke out. According to the legend my father, who didn’t clear 5’5”, had to hang from a bar so he was tall enough to get his naval commission. His first assignment was to British Columbia in Canada, where he provided dental services for the workers building the Alaskan (Alcan) Highway, that amazing project to shore up the defenses of vulnerable
Comments on "Thank You Our Veterans: The Tale of My Father’s Word War II Dogtag"
LS says:
Yes, I to wish to say "Thank you for your service" to all of our military veterans. It has only been during the last few years that people started saying that to me when they learned that I was a veteran. I wish that custom would have started a lot earlier as it would have served to heal the wounds that existed for so long after the Vietnam era. That was a very difficult period for most young men because of the draft and an increasingly unpopular war. Many veterans of that war just wanted to put it behind them when they got out and didn't want to talk about it and many non-veterans weren't interested in it anyway. No, we didn't have many welcome home parades at the time but a simple thank you for your service now, after all these years, is appreciated.
Ron F says:
LS - Well Said.
Thanks from a Vietnam era veteran
Doc Stickel says:
Great story, and even better that you have the dog tags as a reminder!
Also Vietnam era here also, though my "desk" was a trifle bigger. USS Forrestal.(aircraft carrier).
Myself and my wife continue to serve/honor all the Vets we can through their transport. That could involve transit from home to VA hospital (Asheville), or from a Vets Home situated by the hospital to a wide variety of places. Could be as simple as a Walmart shopping trip, or an Elks dinner, baseball game, or....perhaps transiting groups to Equine Therapy. Highly rewarding for the both of us. If there is anyone so inclined, this could be accomplished at any VA Hospital.
Again, happy to read your account...and...Thank you!
Genevieve says:
Thanks to all who served from the daughter of a WWII veteran & sister of a Vietnam era veteran.