The flag’s on the table, folded precise and exact
Awaiting the moment gloved hands would extract
Its full measure and meaning as they unfurl with great care
This symbol of freedom, for which eagles dared
Open in its glory while Taps haunts the grounds
Open still as the guns salute, 21 rounds
They stand in the distance, these old volunteers
Aged eyes strain to see what old ears can not hear
The sign that it’s time, to raise, aim, and fire
The salute to the memory of this beloved spouse and sire
The brass hits the grass as our tears hit our chests
While the tear stains remain, the brass is gathered in respect
Off to their left, in Marine dress so smart
A man and his bugle awaits his start
To show his respect for a brother not met
To guide him to rest on his longest journey yet
Silently white gloves refold the old girl
But from this moment on, no more to unfurl
Turning on a dime, pacing five steps
Eyes ever forward, toward her he crept
He kneels and hands over this flag and this brass
As he speaks to her quietly, his face sheds the mask
I can see the sincerity, respect, and sadness
For this brother, sight unseen, but remembered none the less
Semper Fidelis he spoke when rising
Semper Fidelis I whispered, not surprising
To the man, marine, husband, and my father
Semper Fi
Always Faithful
I’ll live it
All my love
…your daughter
The tribute – so deserved..as told by his daughter, tearfully haunting..xox
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Quietly and respectfully…I say good morning. Beautiful and solomn picture you painted here. I’m grateful for men and women like your Dad that serve our country.
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Good morning Audra. Thank you and I’m grateful for them all too. Not to mention my extended family or In-Laws…just between my father, brothers, and son, there are 60 years of service.
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( my daughter is in field training as I write. Sweating it out in Kentucky)
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I’ll keep you in my thoughts Audra and your daughter too. If you ever need a shoulder…I’ve got big ones.
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Your good peeps there lady.
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With warmth and respect, and comforting
thoughts
and with all wishes for all good things ,
always.
xo
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Thank you
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Beautifully moving. He would treasure your thoughts and words.
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As I treasure him Andrew. Thank you
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Not sure why I am coming up as anon.
I will always send the best.
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Brilliant and beautiful, Rhonda. I have never heard the expression Semper Fi and it’s one I will now remember because of you and your father.
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Always Faithful Thanks Jules
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Always here.
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So incredibly beautiful, SB. Just really amazing and so heartfelt… I would expect nothing less from you of course, but wonderful nevertheless.
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Thank you NB…it’s one of those times when you hate as hard as you love…but in the end, I’m so damned proud to have been his daughter, that it was more important to honor his beliefs than mourn his death. Something like that anyway.
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I hear you, SB. You really are a wonderful poet, know that?
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And you’re sweet…know that?
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Tell my wife, SB! Better yet, come on up here and tell her in person!
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If only! If ever I’m able…bet your Canadian Ass I will. Heyyyyyyyyyy….good name for a Canadu beer eh? Canadian Ass? (brown bottle of course) 😉
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Of course… any colour that you like!
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Your tender and yet powerful words simply melt my heart. Blessed are you to have been his daughter….blessed is he to have been your dad ♥
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Thank you my friend…xo
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