Never Forget

I took this picture of my dad on May 20, 2017 at the Trail of Honor in Jackson, MS. We were standing at the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. I saw him standing there looking at it, and it seemed like a perfect photo opp. My dad is a Vietnam Veteran, who served in the Army there from 1966 - 1967. It was an honor and privilege to bring daddy there.
Last year when I was there, I was in the Mississippi State Guard, and had the honor of being an Honor Guard at that wall. And while I was fulfilling that duty, I would think of my dad serving during that war, and the men he served with. As well as all the men whose names are listed on that wall.
It's a very humbling experience I will never forget. It was really hard to hold back the tears as I stood there as an Honor Guard, thinking about those who literally gave life and limb during that terrible time.
While I walked with my dad around the trail, and other places there, I listened to him tell his stories to fellow vets and other TOH visitors, about his time in Vietnam. I've heard a lot of them before, but hearing them being told there was somehow different. It's always hard for me to hear about how scared he was getting shot at for the first time. Thinking how he could've easily lost his life there, like so many others. And how I wouldn't have ever existed if he had've been killed there.
I'm grateful that he survived, and came home whole (physically and mentally). Because there are so many men who weren't so lucky.
What made it even more special to be with my dad there yesterday was the fact that it was also Armed Forces Day. A day to honor those who've served, and survived. I'm proud to be the daughter of a Vietnam Vet.
May we never forget those who have served in the military, and those who served that are no longer with us. ❤

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