Lateral Lines

When I was growing up and would visit my maternal grandparents, Saturday nights were reserved for Grandpa and me to make our way down to the American Legion in Castlewood, SD for bingo night.  I was 6 or so the first time we went and didn't really concern myself at the time with what the Legion stood for.  My interest was in soda pop, snacks, and anticipation of the odd chance that I might be able to call out "bingo!" and win a prize (I even did once).

Like many midwestern boys and girls, I grew up associating the VFW and the Legion more with baseball and bingo than I did with service, sacrifice, honor and the remembrance of those who have served our country.  Since I am fortunate to have spent my boyhood in the relative peace and prosperity of the post-WWII and Vietnam era, I probably won't ever truly understand these ideals at a gut-level the way my grandfathers and other veterans past and present have and do.  I do, however, posess a deep sense of appreciation and respect for those who have made the sacrifice to serve away from their family and loved ones so that we might continue to live freely in this, the best nation on Earth. 

Apart from baseball and bingo is the clear memory of a cold and windy April afternoon not long ago, when old men gathered on a hilltop aside my grandfather's casket to fire their salute, honor the life of fellow brother in arms, and to present my grandmother with a flag for his service to this country.  It is my deep and sincere wish that those who serve and sacrifice in this day and age may someday, long after their service has ended, have the same remembrance for their contribution to freedom. On this, Veterans Day of 2005, I will honor not only those veterans who have touched my own life but those whom I have never met and have sacrificed just the same.  

For those very special veterans who have played a role in my own life...

• Ralph Clausen - World War II - United States Army - Deceased
• Harold Heidemann - World War II - United States Navy - Deceased
• Victor Heidemann - World War II - United States Army - Deceased
• William Fox - Korean War - US Army Special Forces - Deceased
• Corey Wyman - WWII and Korean War - United States Army - Unknown

...today and every day, I am grateful for both your public service and for your presence in my life.