In Honor of My Dad on Veteran’s Day
by Michelle LancasterIn 1954, on the anniversary of the ending of World War I, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed November 11, Veteran’s Day, so that we would pay special tribute to our military heroes. As we take time this year to honor those who have served our country on 11/11/11, let us never forget that it’s easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you. Our veterans dedication and bravery ensure our nation remains the home of the free because they’re our home of the brave.
In composing my tribute to our military veterans and how we can help honor them, I had tears of pride for all our veterans and their families and for my own family history too. My Mom’s brothers, Ben and Pete Gonzales both served in the Army during World War II. Uncle Pete in Africa and Uncle Ben under General Patton in Germany. My Dad’s brothers, Bill and Bob Merkle also served. Uncle Billy with the Marines in Japan and Uncle Bobby with the Army in Korea. My father-in-law Ed Lancaster served in the Coast Guard. My brother-in-law Dave Lancaster flew Harrier Jets with the Marines over Iraq and my cousin John Merkle serves in the Army in Germany today.
Dad had a successful career in linguistics taking us throughout Germany to various military bases with our “home” base at the Presidio of Monterey in California. Upon retirement from the Army, he then began a second career as a civilian spanning another almost 20 years with the Department of Defense managing data systems until he retired a couple months ago. My dad is the most brilliant man I know and while quiet in nature, leads a life filled with big love, big joy and big laughter thanks in part to the support of my mom, Grace, who’s been by his side since his graduation from Basic Training.







Subscribe via RSS
Got a Tip?