Anchors away… My eyes filled with tears while the orchestra played and the choir performed the most rousing musical salute to all who had served in the armed forces. As each theme song was played for the specific military branch, my 78-year-old father, who is a United States Navy Veteran, stood to be honored in a crowd of thousands while the audience cheered in saying “thank you” to all who had served our nation.
Though the battles of old had been staged in the wartime arena, my dad’s most recent battle was emergency quadruple open-heart surgery with the report his heart was functioning at 15%. Now he was standing, surviving it all, and so very proud of his country. What courage. What patriotism. What sweet freedom. Thank you, Dad, and so many others for being willing to serve us and our national interests.
Today I began to reread some passages from my Dad’s first book, “Memoirs: My Testimony of God’s Faithfulness” by Chet Moyers. Specifically, I was looking for the chapters on his military years and the fascinating tales that could have been lost if he had not taken my challenge to write his story. Now he is becoming a prolific author and writing his third book. In reading some of the challenges at sea and more about the young man being trained to lead, I was amazed at the paths our lives take and voices that influence them. Dad enlisted in the navy at 17. He was at sea for three years and eighteen days in the Navy. No wonder he has never been interested in a cruise for vacation. He said he had his fill of water. I guess I would too if I had experienced the threat of battle, living on a ship larger than a football field and riding out a typhoon while at sea.
In honor of Independence Day and celebrating our freedom I have a gift for you to McEnjoy. Click this link to read some excerpts that Dad permitted me to share with you.
Who do you know that has served in the military and helped to fight for your freedom? Make an effort to thank them sincerely.
When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!