My dad served in WW2 with the Air Force as a rear gunner. Having seen the planes with their protruding gun turret 'bubbles', I can only imagine - and not very well - how terrifying it must have been. Dad never talked about 'his' war with us. The Air Force we heard about and it was a part of our lives for many years. But never the war.
Like so many of the WW2 vets, Dad is no longer here to to march in the parade. He did so for many years. He played the snare drum in the local pipe band. When I was a kid, hearing the 'Last Post' played brought tears to my eyes. This morning, played so hauntingly by a young woman, it happened again.
Thank you, veterans.
Thanks for that, Mom.
ReplyDeleteOur quintet was "the band" for O Canada, a hymn, and God Save the Queen. I always think of Grampa too, even though, as you say, he really didn't talk about it. We had two trumpets playing the Last Post as a harmonized duet, and I admit to a tear in my eye...
What a nice tribute to your dad. That's a sweet photograph.
ReplyDeleteJoanna
A beautiful picture of the poppies, and what touching personal memories about your dad! He looks so very young in the picture!!
ReplyDeleteYour Dad is so handsome, Stephanie!
ReplyDeleteIt must have been terrifying for him, in the war.
Love the poppies, they're one of my favourite flowers, and always a reminder of brave men and women who fought and died for us.
and I'm the same as you with regard to music- it has power to really stir emotions.
ReplyDeleteIt's cool that your Dad played snare drum.
You can be proud of your dad! All the veterans' service are worth remembering!
ReplyDeleteGlad your computer is up and running again (or did you get a new one?)
Enjoy your weekend:)
What a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteMy dad never saw combat. My brother did in Vietnam, but like your Dad, never spoke of what he saw--must be a pact. WHen we went on our trip to Virginia last July, I gave him Sebastian Junger's book, War, about battle in Afghanistan. About a month later, my brother called to tell me that the book took his breath away and reminded him so much of what he lived and saw in Vietnam. He thanked me for giving it to him and said not another word.