Welcome sweet friends. Today is Veterans Day, a day which is set aside for us to celebrate, honor, and pay respect for America’s veterans.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
I have shared Daddy’s story many times because we must never forget the sacrifice of the greatest generation and all who have followed in their footsteps. Not only am I sharing his story, but also some recent life changes.
Daddy was born during the Great Depression into a typical Southern family in the Appalachian Foothills of NE Alabama. His childhood was similar to all children who grew up during that impoverished era. Daddy discovered baseball at an early age. During the spring of his senior year of high school, he was scouted by the Cleveland Indians and was offered a contract to play professional baseball. After two successful years in Class A, he was transferred to Class AA. The Major League was now in sight.
But that was when the draft board notified him.
By this time, the Korean War was fully engaged and his country needed him. Leaving behind his beloved family and a promising baseball career was secondary to serving his country. He left both without hesitation. Early January of 1951, army recruits were sent to Gadsden to board a train headed for Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. Before their long train ride, they ate at a local diner, the Star Cafe, on Broad Street. Working the cash register that evening was a beautiful dark-eyed young lady, and in God’s sovereignty, Daddy had been assigned to handle the meal expense. They spoke casually as he paid and went on his way. Captivated by him, she wrote down her address and slipped it to the last man leaving and asked him to pass it on to the man who paid the bill.
With strong mathematical skills, Daddy was assigned to a surveyor team for artillery with the Seventh Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He arrived in Korea in August of 1951. His unit was often assigned to work ahead of the front lines and was constantly in harm’s way. November 5, 1951, dawned a cold and cloudy day as my Daddy and two other surveyors climbed Heartbreak Ridge, slightly north of the Thirty-Eighth Parallel in North Korea. About 1:30 that afternoon, the first man tripped a land mine. The “Bouncing Betty” immediately exploded and all three men were seriously wounded. Daddy’s first memory was being transported by helicopter, strapped underneath, to Taegu Hospital. He received large amounts of shrapnel to his upper body and face and suffered significant loss of blood. Daddy’s parents received a telegram that he had been seriously wounded and that was all the information they were given. It was a couple of weeks before my grandparents received a letter from my Daddy that he was in the hospital and was going to be ok. While in the hospital, he was awarded The Purple Heart. Within a month, Daddy was back to his outfit seeing front line action on a daily basis. He left Korea in August, 1952, and was honorably discharged October, 1952. In addition to The Purple Heart, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal and two bronze stars.
Upon his return, he began dating the dark-eyed cashier at the Star Cafe. Daddy recently told me that he didn’t receive the slip of paper with her address until the train arrived at Fort Chaffee. The man had forgotten to give it to him. It was three or four months later before Daddy wrote the beautiful cashier. Upon receiving his first letter, she faithfully corresponded while he served and defended his country. After a short courtship, they married December 24, 1952. My parents established a loving home that was Christ-centered. I only have wonderful memories of my Daddy and Mother loving each other and my brother and me. Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, my childhood was as perfect as you can have in this life. Discipline balanced with love, not material possessions, but treasures that money will never buy. My beloved mother passed away in 2007.
Daddy, Butch and me, and my brother and sister-in-love.
Life has recently changed for my precious Daddy. My brother and I have wanted to keep him in his home as long as possible. We knew that sooner than later he was going to need more help than we were able to provide. We had done our best, but it was time to make a decision. Three weeks ago we began 24/7 in-home care. We have been blessed with the sweetest caregivers. They all tell me he is so easy to take care of and they just love him. He seems very happy and is enjoying all of the attention. We are praying that this will allow him to remain at home.
The four generations and our precious daughter-in-love.
Daddy’s life is an example of a simple life, but one worth emulating. He is most proud of his family; my brother and me, two grandsons, a granddaughter, six great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters, and another great-grandson on the way.
Daddy’s 90th birthday!
At 94 he still has a sharp mind and a keen sense of humor. He is deeply patriotic and loves our country. I am grateful for, and do not take for granted each passing day that my Heavenly Father allows me to have my earthly Father. I am proud to be his daughter!
Wishing all Veterans a blessed day. We are extremely grateful for each of you!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Such a wonderful and loving tribute to your sweet dad and America’s veterans Pam! I know you and your brother are thankful for the caregivers making it possible for him to stay in his home. Love seeing the family photos but missing cute WL. 😉 Wishing your dad continued health and a Happy Veterans Day ♥
Thanks so much, Mary. We are grateful for the caregivers. They have been a blessing!
Tears in my eyes. God bless your dad and how very very fortunate you are to have. him.
Thank you, Ruth. He is a blessing!
What a beautiful and thoughtful tribute to your dad, Pam. I love the words, “a simple life, but a life worth emulating.” I’m so grateful that 24/7 in-home care exists and that he has the resources to be able to use it. (I know all about that one — and my figures are based on 1993 costs, which weren’t inexpensive then.) That will be a relief to you and a comfort to him to have the company and attention while being in a place he loves.
Thank you, Jeanie. He has lived a simple life and loves being able to stay in his home. It has definitely been a relief.
I’m so glad he is able to be cared for at home with good caregivers. Your daddy is a very special man. He’s a brave, kind, Christian man from what we’ve read and those are the best qualities. Wishing him a blessed Veterans Day. We’re so glad you shared his life’s story with us. Happy Veterans Day! Clara❤️
You are so sweet, Clara. Thank you ❤️
What a great tribute to your dad. Please thank him for his service to our great country,
A big thank you to your dad and all the other veterans who fought for the freedom we enjoy today! RHill, TX
Thank you, Rachel! Yes, we owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans!
Thank you, Della!
Thanks so much, Della!
Pam, I love hearing the stories about your wonderful daddy, his bravery and service to our country, and especially the courtship with your beautiful mother. The family photos today were just wonderful. What a blessing you all are able to keep him in his own home. My daddy was sent to Ft. Jackson during WWII, then promptly sent home because of his heart. He went to work at the Charleston Army Depot and was assigned a beautiful girl as his secretary. They married in 1950, and I came along two years later. Like your dear mother, I lost my dad much too soon in 1975 from his 8th heart attack. We were truly blessed to grow up in the 50s and 60s with idyllic childhoods, parents who weren’t afraid to discipline, and a Christ centered home. Sending your dad a big hug from a very grateful heart.
Thank you, Roxanne. We did grow up in a wonderful time with the best of parents! Sending love and hugs!
I never tire of reading your Dad’s story of meeting your mom and serving our country, he is a true American hero. I’m so glad that he is able to still be in his home, and I’m happy to learn he now has care 24/7, I’m sure that is a big relief for you. You are so blessed that he is still with you. Thank you for this special Veteran’s Day post, and many thanks to all that have served!
Thank you, Jenna. We are grateful for his caregivers and feel relieved.
What a beautiful love story and what an amazing man your father is. My dad was in that same war and actually was a helicopter pilot. Many times having to air vac wounded fellow heroes out of dangerous situations. God bless all the men and women who give of their freedom and lives many times to keep ours safe. Have a beautiful week ahead. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris. That is amazing that your Dad was a helicopter pilot. I am thankful for his service!
What a beautiful story. Many thanks for his service to God and country. How many of us have family members that might have served with your father and don’t know ?
You are so blessed to have a beautiful family filled with God, love, and gratitude.
Happy Veterans Day
Myrna. that is an interesting thought. How many of our families may have crossed paths across the ocean or even here! Thank you and blessings 🙏🏻
I knew it was you Pam, when I saw the family picture. What a beautiful story. You had such a blessed family. You and your dear hubby created the same for your precious kids and grandchildren. Thank you for this beautiful story that brought some tears to me. God bless you. God bless America!
Many thanks, Sharon. Your comments warm my heart. God bless America!
I never tire of your loving tribute to your Dad, his service to our country and the life and love he shared with your beloved Mother. Simple, yet so profound
and inspiring. What a model of virtue and steadfastness they both have given
through their legacy of life together on God’s path. What a great generation of dedicated souls …… May sweet Daddy continue in love, strength and well being,
blessed by your compassionate care.
Thank you, Mary. I am forever grateful for my parents and a Godly heritage. Sending love and hugs ❤️
What a wonderful father – and that red hair! I have a soft spot in my heart for red-heads! I am thankful for his service. Praying that he continue to live at home during this season of his life. Thank you for sharing his story!
God Bless you Pam and thanks for reminding us of your dad’s story. I, too have veterans and we are so thankful for everyone of them all over our beautiful country. God is giving us another chance to get right with him….We have a new chapter starting for our country….lets get busy using God’s principals. Happy Veteran’s day.
Thank you, Kari! Please convey my gratitude to those in your family that have served! Amen!
Aw, Happy Veteran’s Day to your dear Daddy! It made me sad to hear of the necessary life changes, but it sounds like he is adjusting well. May God bless you all.
I know, Cheryl. It was hard, but this is a plan that he likes. He wants so badly to stay in his home.
Wonderful, wonderful tribute, as always, for your Daddy, Pam. Thank you, sir for your service and example of love for our country. Pam, your EK is spitting image of her great granddaddy! May your family continue to be blessed by your father’s example.
Thank you, Rita. EK definitely resembles my Daddy’s side of the family! I will read all of these comments to him!
What a blessing to have loving parents. Ones that love God, family and country. My heart sings for you.
Ruth, I am thankful for my loving and Godly parents! Thank you, dear one!
Pam, I’m always so glad to see and hear of your precious Dad! He was a joy to be around in church, and I’m so thankful he can still live at home. Blessings and love to you all, Judy
Thank you, Judy. Sending love to you, dear one!
Pam, this is such a beautiful and loving tribute to your daddy! Please thank him for his service. You have such a beautiful family, and I know you are grateful for them all. What a blessing that you have someone to help with your daddy’s care so he can stay in his home. Wishing you a blessed week, sweet friend!
Thank you, Shannon. I feel great relief now. We are thankful for his caregivers!
What wonderful pictures Pam and what a lovely tribute to your sweet daddy! That was quite the service career and what a sweet story about how he and your mother met. I’m so glad you were able to find 24/7 for your daddy because it’s not always easy. My mom is the same age as you dad and she is in care now too; she had a couple of falls which was one of the dangers of her living alone. We are so relieved that she is safe. Love love that last picture. I hope you had a wonderful Veteran’s Day!
You are so sweet, Kim! I am glad your mom has care. It does give you relief to know they are safe.
What a loving tribute to your sweet father. Having 24/7 care given by caring people in his own home hopefully will give him and your family peace of mind and more happy days together.
Awww Pam, I gave tears in my eyes after reading this heartwarming post of yours, honoring both of your parents. Thank you for sharing this, and I’m happy that your dear daddy is still able to be home and well cared for.