Yesterday my dad was laid to rest.
I have never attended a military burial before. It's just like in the movies, but it's SO.MUCH.MORE.
The setting...
Pristine and breathtaking at the Ulster County Veterans Cemetery overlooking Mohonk Mountain.
I don't know where these veterans were all from, but they have my heartfelt gratitude. They stood out in freezing temperatures so my father could receive the military honors he deserved.
I was told that a few of them saw my dad's obituary in the paper and they called, VOLUNTEERING to be there.
Band of brothers.
Gratitude.
The three gun salute. (signifying duty, honor and country)
Taps.
Receiving the flag honoring my dad's service.
I know that will be one of the most memorable moments of my life.
My dad was born in Odessa, Ukraine. His family was granted passage into the US as displaced persons of war in 1951.
He served in the army before he was even a United States citizen.
He was honorably discharged after returning home from serving in Vietnam. He then went on to serve four more years in the reserves.
My dad became a naturalized citizen on Jan 4, 1971.
He was a good man.
People often say that about people when they die.
But he was a GOOD man.
He loved God. His faith was very important to him, and he walked the walk every single day.
He was devoted to his family. He was a fun dad. He was a caring partner. He was a loving Opa.
He worked hard all his life.
He could build anything, fix anything, and had the patience of a saint.
Seven years ago his active lifestyle was changed forever by a heart attack and stroke (attributed to his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam).
Seven years of watching golf instead of playing it. Seven years of walking with a walker instead of hiking up a mountain. Seven years of needing to be taken care of instead of taking care of everyone.
Spending his last days with him was heartbreaking for me, but also a blessing.
I hated to say goodbye.
But he was tired. His work here was done.
Rest easy, Dad. You earned it.
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