"Patriotism, an All-American Gift" - Time Out #42

One of America's most patriotic days arrives, Memorial Day.

The last Monday each May is also the unofficial start of summer.

Both designations are important, but my vote goes to the former patriotic recognition.

No surprise here; I am definitely an American flag-waving patriot, 24/7/365.

It began in my family long before I was even a twinkle in my parent's eyes.

My father was a 28-year retired full colonel in the Air Force after being the head of the Oklahoma A&M R.O.T.C. program, 1953-57. He was also part of the Greatest Generation, serving in the 8th U.S. Army Air Corps, stationed in High Wycombe England, NW of London for 4 years during World War II. He received the Legion of Merit, awarded personally to him by General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Col. Breedlove commanded respect everywhere he went, and I was keenly aware of other people's perception of him in Our Town during my formative years growing up in the 1950's. He was a role-model during a time when the American military was greatly admired. He was a memorable and dynamic individual, . Even today, 32 years after his passing, people vividly recall to me his unique personality and experiences with them. I have had many people compare my dad's mannerisms and actions as Will Rogers-like. I am truly humbled when they tell me that statement.

He and my mother, Grace, are buried side-by-side in section 7, just down the small hill and slightly to the SE of the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, VA. I have visited this national shrine many times over the years, and get swelled up with inner pride when I pass through the massive, decorative gates, and once again lay my eyes on those seas of beautiful white headstones. I try to always take time there to also view the impressive changing of the guard at he Tomb of the Unknowns, and walk through the huge amphitheater behind it. Most visits allow me to remember my father's full military honors burial, complete with the caisson, riderless horse, trio volley of rifleman shots, and concluding with taps. I am able to recall this event during each visits because every day there produces multiple formal burials, and the visiting public is able to watch them from a distance.

Every Memorial Day. each soldier's grave is decorated with a small American flag. This also occurs Veterans Day, November 11th. The difference in the two dates are Memorial Day (also called Decoration Day when many American families travel to cemeteries and decorate their loved one's graves) recognizes our armed forces members who have died. Veterans Day recognizes all those that have done military service.

My older brother, C.H., was in the Army R.O.T.C. at his alma mater, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville. He served on-site in the post-Korean Conflict, and finished his military obligation as a captain. I served as an enlisted person in the Army Reserves, first in the Ponca City unit and later the Stillwater unit, during the Vietnam Conflict. I am a lifetime member of our local American Legion Hanner-Sharp Post 129. Retired Army Sargent Major, Alan C. Bodine, and I have faithfully served together on the local Boys' State selection committee for many years.

Once our country did away with the draft in early 1973, America has functioned with an all-volunteer military. Very few people in today's modern society have ever been members of our military. In fact, only a small fraction of the 535 members of our US House and Senate have former military experience.

I have always been a strong proponent of paying-it-forward with one (or perhaps two) years of government service after one is graduated from high school. One would not have to enter into active military service, but could serve by selecting a job from many governmental entities. Participants would be paid a fair wage for 40 hours/week work. There would be NO deferments for either male or female recent high school grads. This would be, in my humble opinion, a small price to pay for the priviledge of being an American citizen. A side benefit would be it would provide participants great insight into the "real, working world", a priceless experience traveling along their future life's path.

My wife, Debbie, is a huge patriot, too. For many years now, each time our commercial jet aircraft sets its landing wheels down on U.S. soil, returning home from an international flight, she spontaneously breaks out in a soft chorus of "God Bless America". I even think she and I both have sung or hummed it in our mind's eye each time we have toured the haloed American cemetery above Omaha Beach in Normandy, France.

In conclusion, I try to always relate to a military person in uniform, thanking them for their service with Our Country.

Their service and all those military members that have preceded them for almost 250 years, allows us to live with freedom in the world's greatest place, Our Town