Today was a solemn day for us. Robin and I transported my father's cremated remains to the National Cemetery in Farmingdale where he was interred in their Columbarium. The National Cemetery is for military veterans and celebrates their service to our country.
My father, born in Germany in 1930, came to the America in 1951. He learned the fastest path to U.S. citizenship was through military service. He enlisted and spent two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He earned several medals and emerged from the Army an American citizen. He was proud of his military service and wanted to be laid here.
I didn't expect today to be emotional but it was. Robin and I shed tears for both my father and thousands of other dead soldiers in the cemetery. It's impossible to walk among them, as we did, without dolorous sorrow at this human loss. We saw graves of many young men and women cut down in the prime of their lives (18-22 years old). Thankfully my father escaped that plaintive fate and enjoyed a long life.
His final resting place will be marked by a plaque in a month or two. The VA also has a memorial website on which I'll add biographical data. Anyone who wishes can later offer a tribute on the website to my dad. I'll let you know when both projects are finalized and ready for visiting.
If you're wondering why it took a year for me to arrange this interment, the answer is simple: I was, um..., distracted last year by another matter. Attending to this now was the best I could do.
Tough stuff takes time. You've had a number of "tough stuffs" hit in a row. You took the time when you had the time and space to embrace your grief and honor your dad appropriately and when you were able to. Take care of yourself today (and all days, of course).
ReplyDeleteThank you. You're right. As I tackle my To-Do list I'm not rushing. It's a marathon, not a sprint. I'm content simply to keep moving in the right direction regardless of speed.
ReplyDeleteYour dad would understand, Ally, and be proud of being interred with his fellow soldiers. Lest we forget...
ReplyDeleteSending good vibes to you and Robin. What a bad week this has been...
Thank you. And yup; the world is falling apart.
DeleteI'm sure your Dad would understand, as ultimately he ended up where he belonged. My Dad passed away in 2016, but it was only a couple of months ago that part of his ashes were scattered by his grandson in Scotland, the country he lost his heart to many years ago. I was very emotional when my nephew showed me the photos of the place where his ashes were laid to rest, at the foot of Ben Nevis. xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising that this packs a punch emotionally, but it does.
DeleteSending hugs to you both. Remembrance Day is just a few days away...
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Thanks, pal. Yes, Veterans Day is Sunday here and Monday is a holiday for it.
DeleteI honestly think, if you are able to take your time, doing things after a loved one has died, are better with a bit of time. He has reached the place he wanted to, doesn't matter when. This is a beautiful resting place for his earthly remains. Kezzie xx
ReplyDeleteGood advice, Kezzie. When my father died I felt pressure to rush and do things right away. This one, last task had no time-pressure so I delayed it -- and am glad I did. Time helped me accept his passing and see this act more clearly. In the rush of recent grief our vision is clouded.
DeleteHe is at a better place and will always be there for you. God bless him and you. Much love. Wishing you a great day!
ReplyDeleteRampdiary
Thanks.
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