Remembering My Dad
For those often forgotten
Today I remember my dad, who would have been 108 today, but sadly passed away almost 40 years ago. The picture above shows him (Royal) and his father, Benjamin. Grandpa is wearing his Army uniform, while dad is in civilian clothes, because he never got to serve. Granpa served with the American Expeditionary Force in Europe in WWI, and remained in the Army (artillery) through WWII and Korea, reaching the rank of Captain.
My dad was born while Granpa was serving in Europe during WWI and grew up as an Army brat, moving often — including attending 2 different high schools, while still managing to graduate in 3 years. He had to drop out of college after 3 years to support the family through serving in the Civilian Conservation Corp during the Great Depression.
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He was a real patriot, loving his country and doing all he could to support it -like giving blood on a regular basis, and raising 5 kids to share that love. The latest project his company, a plumbing contractor, worked on was for the cooling pumps for nuclear power reactors.
He faithfully registered for the 1940 Selective Service drat (I have a picture of his registration card), but was disqualified for service due to his poor eyesight. So while most of his generation, including his own brother-in-law (my Uncle Phil), went off to war, he couldn’t. Many do not remember that those who were classified 4-F like him were not treated well by the general public. They faced discrimination for their lack of service — often labeled as “refusing to serve” when the truth is they were refused enlistment. I believe that my Dad would have certainly served if allowed.
I did not realize the stigma attached to 4-F classification growing up. I just knew that my dad wasn’t able to serve. I never thought of how he would have experienced the numerous “patriotic” celebrations over the years. Did he perhaps suffer “survivor’s guilt”? My uncle Phil was killed in a pilot training accident shortly after getting married , dying in the service of his country -buried at Arlington National Cemetery. I have had the honor of visiting his gravesite and am proud of him. But I am also proud of my father, who did all he could to support his country, including raising my sisters and I to be good citizens.
Please don’t forget that honoring and supporting your country is not limited to only those who wore the uniform and risked life and limb in battle. There are many ways to serve and no shame in not enlisting. Especially now, when we are engaged in a needless war, wise minds are needed to guide how we use our time, talents, and treasure in influencing the world. May peace reign.
Dad, I miss you, love you. Thanks for raising my sisters and I to love God, love all men and women, and work to make this world a better place.
