A Soldier, A Patriot, A Father: A Memorial Day Dedication

A Soldier, A Patriot, A Father: A Memorial Day Dedication

As we mark another Memorial Day, I find myself thinking about the man who first taught me what this day really means my dad.

He didn’t need to give long speeches about sacrifice or loyalty. He lived it. Every single day.

More Than a Soldier

My father proudly served in World War II and the Korean War two defining moments in global history. He was one of those rare people who wore the uniform not for glory, but out of duty. But his service didn’t end when he came home. In many ways, that’s when it truly began.

He was active in the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), the American Legion, and the Moose Club. For him, these weren’t just social clubs they were sacred spaces where veterans gathered, supported one another, and stayed connected to the country they served.

Flags, Family, and Tradition

Growing up, the night before Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Flag Day meant something special in our home. My dad would load my brothers and me into the car and take us around our hometown, planting American flags like tiny beacons of remembrance. We didn’t question it, it was just what we did. It was our tradition. His tradition.

We’d return a few days later to collect the flags, always careful, always respectful. Looking back now, I realize how profound those moments were. They weren’t just chores or errands. They were lessons in gratitude, patriotism, and memory.

Gone, But Guarding Us Still

My dad passed away in September 1988, but his presence still lingers not just in my memories, but in the way I view this holiday. For me, Memorial Day isn’t just about barbecues or mattress sales. It’s about him. And all the people like him. The ones who served. The ones who returned and continued serving in quieter ways. And the ones who never came home.

This One’s for You, Dad

So this Memorial Day, I dedicate this post to my father:

A soldier. A teacher. A patriot. A dad.

Gone, but guarding us still.

Thank you for your service not just in uniform, but in every flag you planted, every lesson you taught, and every quiet moment you turned into a legacy.

A Note on the Visuals:
All images in this post were AI-generated by The Sassy Gazette editorial team.
These visuals are crafted to sharpen the mood, elevate the message, and scream metaphor — not mirror reality.

The glitter is fake. The fury is not.
When the truth needs a little edge, we hand it a spotlight and let it shine.