Today was my father's funeral. He would have hated all the fuss. He was a humble, selfless man. Tall and strong, but with a tender, loving heart.

My dad was a WWII veteran. He went up Omaha Beach on D-Day and lived to tell about it ~~ only he wouldn't. He never spoke of what he saw and experienced. He was proud of his service, but not enough to brag about where he'd been or what he'd seen. He was in the First Infantry Division (Big Red One) of the U.S. Army and followed General Patton across Tunisia, Algiers, Sicily and into England. I mean, this was huge if you follow any military history.

We sent him out in style this morning ~~ a 21-gun salute, "Taps" and the ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag to my oldest brother. He would have thought it was too much, that he didn't do anything special. What a generation that was.

It was cloudy here today. But on the ride to the cemetery, the sun came out briefly. And as we climbed the hill, the soldiers stood in their crisp uniforms waiting to salute the casket. It began to rain when we finished and rained the rest of the day, pretty steadily. I tried to be sad, but I couldn't be knowing where he is now and who he is with. I will be sad at times, but I'm happy for him. He's no longer sick or suffering or in pain. I think seeing him that way for so long made this side of it all easier for me.

R.I.P. Dad I will love you always.
Loren W. Haskett
6-19-20 to 5-20-08

Debra

Deb
Glad your dad got his wings and is free from all the pain and body limitations now. Your dad was a hero to all of us who live. It's the men like him and my dad that fought for our country with humble pride.

My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, Debra. Glad your dad got his wings.

I lit a candle for him...
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=ECO