Terry
Line Up and Wait
Hi fellow pilots,
I wrote this after being in the parade yesterday.
Enjoy,
Terry
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]It would have been a normal Fourth of July except this morning I put on my patriotic flag shirt and my American Legion Hat. [/FONT]
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]I had been invited to ride in the back of a pickup as a Rush County Veteran and overall, I was glad to oblige. [/FONT]
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]I am a Vietnam veteran and served proudly as a diesel mechanic in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. [/FONT]
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]I climbed in the back of the pickup along with other veterans and patiently waited for the parade to begin. In front of my float was an honor guard and a WW2 float. The flags, of course, always lead the parade. [/FONT]
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]As we moved our way slowly down the parade route, I finally realized that I was the old guy sitting in the back of the truck. I actually felt out of place. It didn't seem right because I have never thought of myself as a veteran and surely not of someone that was of recognizable stature. I was just a plain old American. [/FONT]
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]Then it dawned on me, there are no ordinary Americans. It is an oxymoron. All of the American citizens, especially the veterans have served this great country out of patriotism and not of prestige or self advancement. [/FONT]
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]We were each given a job to do and we did that job as only an American could do. Then I was drawn out of my solace by children waving and adults applauding and saying, “Thank You.” I felt overwhelmed and humbled. [/FONT]
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]Now, in my senior years, I yearn and groan when I remember what this country used to be and used to stand for. [/FONT]
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]Oh, we are not washed up yet, but we are fast losing our place in history as Americans. Who, coming after us, will be the bearer of freedom and dignity?[/FONT]
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]I have come to the realization that America is running out of time. Can we turn it around? I seriously doubt it but that does not mean I will quit being an American and succumb to the wishes of the left and Socialist agenda. [/FONT]
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]Fight on, I must. You see, I am an American. Just because others despise and shorn their patriotism, I never cease to be an American. One who stands in the world and has the audacity to believe this land is the best place on earth to live and will always defend America's right to stand until I die. [/FONT]
[FONT=Helvetica, serif]I am a Veteran, but first and foremost, I am an American.[/FONT]
