Honoring my Dad, one of many heroes this Memorial Day

    Memorial Day brings bitter sweet memories to all of us.

    From as early as I can remember as a little boy, my family was involved with the Memorial Day Parade in Kansas City Mo. where we rode down main street in convertibles, waving at bystanders out to honor those who served in the past who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

    My father, Neal Cross Gibbs Jr., served in WWII and Korea, and spent twenty-seven years in the Infantry Reserves after the conflict ended. I feel fortunate that our family did not have to move around all of the time like some friends I've met, as dad was an NCO, Master Sergeant.

    The Parade went on toward the Liberty Memorial where it ended with presentations of the Color Guard, and several speeches... one in particular was my father, giving the Gettysburg Address each year.

    Year after year, the weather on this day ranged from brilliant sunshine to close to snow showers, rain or, in some cases perfect for Spring in the Midwest.

    This tradition went on to well into my teen years, which helped in solidifying an attitude of patriotism that I've carried with me all of my life, and can only hope the rest of my family can catch a hold of as well.

    The day always started too early for a young man with four older sisters that would rather have slept in on the Holiday like the rest of their friends, but not the case in the Gibbs' family. We were "up and at'em" at the crack of dawn, and in downtown KC just after seven a.m.!  

    In each of the Ceremonies, we witnessed many different things that young eyes have a hard time comprehending at times... there were protests of the Vietnam War, and varying sizes of audiences, usually depending on the weather, I think. One of the most vivid memories I retain, is of issues that would develop with the Military Color Guard. We saw at times, mistakes in the marching patterns, and weapons jamming at the "twenty-one gun salute", that made for some tense moments. All of which brought loud barking from the Officer in charge.

    An instance I remember most, was a very hot morning that was originally forecast to be unseasonably cool, when a soldier was overcome by heat and passed out in the middle of the ceremony! The Guard was dressed in their heavy uniforms, and when the one young man hit the pavement, the soldier next to him, in a natural reaction, leaned over to try and keep his comrade from hitting the ground. The man on the ground was ignored until sufficient reprimand was delivered to the soldier who broke ranks to lend a hand.

    My dad used this as a "teaching moment" for us kids and after the end of tributes, he described the incredible lengths that military soldiers must go to in order to preserve discipline. The last thing I was thinking was, what could happen on the battlefield if everyone let their guard down to help those falling beside them.

    

    Over the years I felt a number of emotions while participating in this event, from honor, to betrayal of "my holiday time." But looking back, I feel so proud of my family having been involved with such a solemn occasion for most of my younger years.

   Let's never forget the sacrifice of our fallen soldiers, that we may remain free in this country. To live and be unencumbered in how we live our lives, and pursue our individual idea of happiness.

Blessings to you...