As some of you know I am retired Army, my Wife is active duty Army along with 3 Sons, 2 mine and 1 Son-in -Law. We bleed Green, Grandpa is a retired Army General. I have in my front window a service banner with 4 blue stars on it for the 4 active duty members of my household.
My Daughter is visiting after college let out for the Summer.
On Memorial Day, late at night, after a fun day at the beach and lots of family fun, The doorbell rang and I went to answer it, I opened the door and my heart stopped. An Army Colonel and Army Chaplain stood with the look no parent ever needs to see.
They came to see my Daughter, Her Husband-Our Son-in Law had died early in the day in a much earlier time zone.
We have had great help from all the military in help with the Casualty Assistance. We laid him to rest on Friday with full Honors. The Patriot Guard Riders attended.
The Red Cross was fantastic in helping to get word and emergency leave for my two other Sons to come back from Iraq & Afganistan. It was a nice ceremony and the whole family were in their Class A uniforms- even myself.
My Cousin played the pipes for us.
This is the 1st time I have talked about it for I have had to be the rock for my family. We have always know a day like this could come, I now know how my Parents & Grandparents felt when they saw the most unwanted visitors.
The new Banner in the window has 3 Blue and 1 Gold Star.