Memorial Day

                  

(A re- post from last year photos and text by Corey Amaro)

An American flag folded tightly into the shape of triangle was handed to my mother in honor of my father at his grave-site. Later we were told that if we donated his flag to the American Legion, it would fly on Memorial Day with the other flags of those who served our country.

Before giving back the American Flag we were told to write (on the band that attaches the flag to the pole,) my father's name, where and how he served, and in what war.

                  

Over 350 flags are flying today in our small town. One of them says: George Amaro WWII... Navy.

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One of my favorite memories of my father's is when he talked about the first night at base camp:

"The first night in the bunk hall, young men from every part of the Untied States gathered for bed. Most of them farm boys, barely eighteen-years old, and who had never been passed the city limits of their own towns. I was one of them. Like those other boys, I was proud to be there and scared too.

In the dark of the night the sounds of homesickness started to rumble. Within a few minutes every guy there was bawling. We knew the road ahead of us and the country road behind. We were just young boys who had never left home sharing the same feelings..."

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The other day, after shopping with my daughter Chelsea, we got into the car to go home. Our conversation rolled easily from one subject to another. I was happy to be with her, happy to feel re connected after months of being away. It felt like old times, and I soaked in every moment wishing it would never stop.

In that moment of pure bliss, I thought of my dad. Just like that he popped into my mind's eye. I told Chelsea. I said to her, that I could now think of Vo, my dad, and not cry. That the images of him are not ones at the hospital, that he is alive in a new way in my mind... and with that the faucets by our eyes opened, and we watered that tender place, right there in the parking lot, with our sweet sorrow. Then with tears streaming down our face, Chelsea started the car, and for some reason it struck us funny, and we started to laugh that kind of laugh you get after you have cried, a cry-laugh, that doesn't know which way to go, and we  drove home drunk on emotion.

Memorials are for that reason, to share the depth of feelings, by remembering those behind us, and carrying into the future the honor of their gift to us. 

                  

(A re- post from last year photos and text by Corey Amaro)

An American flag folded tightly into the shape of triangle was handed to my mother in honor of my father at his grave-site. Later we were told that if we donated his flag to the American Legion, it would fly on Memorial Day with the other flags of those who served our country.

Before giving back the American Flag we were told to write (on the band that attaches the flag to the pole,) my father's name, where and how he served, and in what war.

                  

Over 350 flags are flying today in our small town. One of them says: George Amaro WWII... Navy.

---------------------

One of my favorite memories of my father's is when he talked about the first night at base camp:

"The first night in the bunk hall, young men from every part of the Untied States gathered for bed. Most of them farm boys, barely eighteen-years old, and who had never been passed the city limits of their own towns. I was one of them. Like those other boys, I was proud to be there and scared too.

In the dark of the night the sounds of homesickness started to rumble. Within a few minutes every guy there was bawling. We knew the road ahead of us and the country road behind. We were just young boys who had never left home sharing the same feelings..."

-------------------

 

The other day, after shopping with my daughter Chelsea, we got into the car to go home. Our conversation rolled easily from one subject to another. I was happy to be with her, happy to feel re connected after months of being away. It felt like old times, and I soaked in every moment wishing it would never stop.

In that moment of pure bliss, I thought of my dad. Just like that he popped into my mind's eye. I told Chelsea. I said to her, that I could now think of Vo, my dad, and not cry. That the images of him are not ones at the hospital, that he is alive in a new way in my mind... and with that the faucets by our eyes opened, and we watered that tender place, right there in the parking lot, with our sweet sorrow. Then with tears streaming down our face, Chelsea started the car, and for some reason it struck us funny, and we started to laugh that kind of laugh you get after you have cried, a cry-laugh, that doesn't know which way to go, and we  drove home drunk on emotion.

Memorials are for that reason, to share the depth of feelings, by remembering those behind us, and carrying into the future the honor of their gift to us. 

Comments

[Celeste Maia]

I just "discovered" your blog and love it. Clever and beautiful and fun. Well done, congratulations!
Celeste Maia, living in Madrid, Spain

[Primavera]

Oh wow. I shed a tear while reading your post. I am such a fan of your blogsite

Primavera, Philippines

[Gracie]

This is the way I remember my father too, with watering eyes and a sweet smile on my lips.

[Gina Baynham]

It's impossible to read your blog and remain dry eyed Corey...
That's why I keep coming back for more!

[Phillipa Marshall]

Dad's are wonderful, I have many fond memories of my father ( and mother) bless them all even after they have gone. thanks you for your wonderful posts. Phillipa from Australia.

[Candy]

Perfect post for Memorial Day. Thank you.

[Mary]

I loved this pic the first time and now it's even more special. It takes a long time to accept the deep loss of a parent, now you can laugh-cry and remember your wonderful Dad in more positive ways. Corey, I hope your dear Mom is well.

[Vicki]

What a beautiful post Corey.

[Denese]

Hi Corey,

I wanted to pop in and say "hi" and honor your father and all of those fallen on Memorial Day.

denese

[Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife]

A wonderful remembrance. My father was one of those farm boys also. Many of them got their first pair of real shoes along with their uniforms.

- Suzanne

[rochambeau]

Happy Memorial Day Corey.
Thank you for sharing about your father's memory and also about yours and Chelsea's experience too.
I'm glad you are feeling at a new place.

xox
Constance

[Sheala]

Thank you Corey, I'm glad to hear about the change in your memories. I loved your dad, he was/is a great man.

[Beverly]

Beautiful.

Beverly

[molly]

memories & making memories is the best!

[Marilyn]

Corey,

Beautifully written, and photographed, as always.

Marilyn (in Dallas)

[Paige King]

This post is the reason why Tongue in Cheek is one of the few on my blog list on my own blog. Your posts are so enjoyable and insightful.
My husband is currently serving in Iraq--I am touched by all of the warm wishes from folks all around this world.
Take care.
Paige

[Susan Storz]

Corey-
I'll be at that small cemetery here is Willows, and I'll be looking for your dad's and my dad's flag.

[martina]

I cried last year when reading this, and with the addition about you and Chelsea, cried again today. My Dad rarely sang at home, he had a wonderful tenor voice. When we would go on car vacations to the Rockies he would sing Down in the Valley while driving through the steep mountains. "Angels in heaven know I love you"..when those lyrics are heard the tears really come. Thank you Dad, and they know I love you too.

[Jeanne]

I love you
Jeanne

[Carol]

Corey,

I too love this picture of your Mother with the flags! I'm guessing she is really looking forward to seeing all of you soon and vice versa.

We're all very indebted to men like your Father. It's amazing how patriotic, frightened and brave those young men and some women were. I had an Uncle who was a pilot during WWII and never talked much about it.

May God bless Paige's husband and all the brave men and women who currently serve our country around the world many of whom have paid very dearly for the freedoms we enjoy every day!

It's so nice to read that you are now having more happy memories of your Dad! Thank you for sharing some of the tenderest moments in your life.

Greetings from Arizona, where I'm visiting with my daughter and family.

[Vicki's Bit-o-Earth]

Corey, I love your blog. Your words are always so poignant. No other word fits.

I too feel the tug on my heartstrings on Memorial Day each year... I have a long list of men in my family, starting way back after my family emigrated to this country from Europe in the 1700's. Their service to our country is what makes us who we are.

God bless you on this day... in remembrance of your Dad. And today I honor the one member of my family who I have known so well.. my beloved uncle who serve in France in WWII.

I hope one day you will write a book. XX Vicki

[Kimberly]

My first thought was like many others.....beautiful. Blessings, Kimberly

[kay]

Once again Corey you touched the spot....memories are what keep all those who we have lost alive...I feel honored to have got to know your family through your beautiful words...I bet your Dad was in the car laughing with you both!!

[Hasmade Designs]

Happy Memorial Day to you, Corey. ((hugs))

[Mardog]

We were up with my family at our cabin this weekend and spoke of your Father. All of us having great memories of him.

It is great to re-read this post, read your Father's memories of his first nights and see the photo of your Mother.

President Obama gave a remarkable speak at Arlington today honoring all the people who fought over the years.

[b]

Corey I was prompted by your post the other day that contained the beautiful fields of poppies to wriate about Flander's Fields and a memory of Harry S. Truman. Thank you for continuing to share with us.

b

[nel]

beautiful, thoughtful post Corey.

[Mimi]

What an incredibly touching post. My dad just left today after visiting us for a week and I shed more than a few tears on the way home from the airport. I read posts such as yours and can almost feel the future, and my heart hurts to think that my heart will hurt with the loss. I treasure every single day I have with him and thank you, for reminding me of how important that is. He too was a vet - in Viet Nam.
xo

[LOUISE]

Corey as we drove by the cemetary today and saw all the flags I thought of your dad and knew how sad your mom must be, beautiful blog,I cryed for all of you

[Design Cracker]

What an amazing tribute. Your words are so beautifully gathered. I love how you put in print your heart.
Deb
Thank you again for your generosity.(poem)

[elsa]

this is **wonderful** corey- makes my heart swell- and your mom looks amazing standing there