Honor

Dear Hero,

I remember the first time I saw the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. I scanned the thousands of names. put my hand out. touched the smooth, cold granite. cried tears of relief at the miracle that your name is not written there. 

I'm so grateful you came home from the battlefield.

I can't imagine the sacrifices you've made for me to grow up free; in a country where I as a black woman can vote, drive a car, worship - freedoms I've tried not to take for granted.

When I was a kid, you would take me with you when you trained the Army recruits. You saw that I had courage (reckless at times!) and let me train alongside the soldiers.  Rock climbing, flying in helicopters, learning to handle a weapon...

Remember the day I fell rappelling? All you could do was watch as my body slammed into the rocks until the safety rope pulled taut. Miraculously, not one broken bone. You've been like that safety rope - pulling taut when I stumble but never stopping me from climbing.

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, I asked what you would say if you had to address the nation. You answered, "God bless the USA." 

You've fought the good fight and today you would still die for this country. Major, you are an amazing man.

Happy Veteran's Day, Dad,
Your Butterfly

(2008 to my father who fought for our freedom for more than two decades and would re-enlist now in his '70's...if the military would let him.)

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