Memorial Day Gratitude
Glad to Have YOU HOME Son
When our son Gilbert saw my Blog post on the guy with the pink shorts, he sent me these photos along with this note:
Hey Dad,
I read your blog about Afghanistan. Believe it or not, that’s where I was last year, over in Kunar Province Afghanistan. That picture was taken in the Korengal Valley AKA “Valley of Death.”
That is the worst place in all of Afghanistan. There are more deaths in that Valley than in any where else in Afghanistan.
That’s where I was man.
-Gil
May 25th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Wow. I remember Gilbert when he was just a little kid playing with my computer in the office when his mom would bring him by for a visit. It’s amazing to see him as a grown man and a damn serious looking soldier. I never would have guessed that one day I’d be thinking about him with gratitude for serving our country. Ron, the next time you talk to him, please pass along my sincere regards. You and Masae must be very proud.
May 25th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
As heartwarming as this is, all I can think of is, “Get all of those boys home; NOW!”
May 27th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Brick,
The pleasure is all mine.
All politics aside, I am one who should feel fortunate to be able to serve and ultimately be able to participate in our Nation’s greatest undertaking.
Despite perceived political blunders or errors in foreign policy, we are doing wonderful things out there, in places that, in other circumstances, we would not have ever set foot in. We build schools, hospitals, feed the hungry, and above all - destroy our nations enemies. All of which we do at a very heavy cost. So goes the saying, “Freedom isn’t free.”
It is your gratitude and those in the like that remind me that people at home haven’t forgotten. You haven’t forgotten the true merit of the sacrifices of my brethren and our families and understand and truly appreciate the true fruits of our labor.
To me, that makes it all well worth it.
I apologize for the lengthy response.
I have people thank me everyday and never really know what to say, or even have the time to accurately convey my thoughts. I just felt that I should use this venue to finally give a meaningful response to a heartfelt thank you.
Gil