My eyes welled with tears Sunday as our church choir, with orchestral accompaniment, sang the service songs of the US military branches during our pre-Fourth of July service. Prior to the “Marine’s Hymn,” a white-haired gentleman in front of us handed his bulletin to his wife and prepared to stand. On the first note, he stood proudly with shoulders thrust back and arms by his side. I couldn’t see his face but imagined his countenance reflected pride, honor, and patriotism. When the choir sang the song for the US Army, I thought of my dad who enlisted as a seventeen-year-old…
Tag: Fourth of July
A Young Patriot’s Encouraging Words
Early one Fourth of July morning, my dad answered the phone to hear a cheery young caller shout, “Happy Fourth of July!” “Happy Fourth of July to you, but I think you have the wrong number, ” Daddy replied. “No, I don’t have the wrong number,” the youngster answered. She continued, “I just wanted to wish someone a happy Fourth of July.” My dad loved children and was delighted by this surprise call. At our family Independence Day celebration the following year, he announced, “I wish my little Fourth of July friend would call this year.” The words of a…