Normally, this was a day on the calendar I would barely be aware if not for the papers telling me what is open/closed...and if the downtown meters are free.
Veteran's Day...my Dad was a vet...as were most of his brothers...but not much was ever talked about regarding their service. My uncle Don Gaard, a pilot in WWII who was shot down over Russia and spent time in a prison camp...again, it was not discussed in the family. But I never really thought about what Veteran's Day meant...until today.
Marvin Guy Smith was buried today...the US flag draped over the bronzed coffin...his faded WWII uniform and hat honored in the front of the country church. Photos in the hall showed a proud young man in a sharply creased uniform posed in front of an American flag; a tired, suddenly aged man at an un-named location in the Pacific theater; a somber world weary man in uniform with his radiant bride by his side; and finally a photo of a group of elderly gents at the American Legion. Most outfitted by Fleet Farm: khakis, plaid shirts and windbreakers...but all holding themselves at formation...canes, walkers and wheelchairs not withstanding.
Marvin Guy Smith joined the Army in 1939...spent 5 1/2 years in with 4 years in the Pacific. He was a "cookie"...the guy who tried his best to keep the weary and hungry GI's fed...in crappy, dangerous conditions...with supplies that barely resembled food...and it was the proudest time in his life because he was serving "His Country".
Marvin Guy Smith was 93; my Mother's last remaining Uncle. The last of 12 siblings. My last connection to the generation whose parents were born in the late 1880's. My last link to the pioneering lineage that settled in Fairfield Township, MN in the early 1870's. A carpenter and farmer who was married for 60 years to "Lady Lucille", and had 2 girls and 3 grandchildren that were the light of his life. A man who loved his 1952 John Deere "B" tractor and was given the precious gift of spending his remaining days on his beloved land. And yet, he defined himself as a "Veteran".
Marvin Guy Smith was the uncle who told stories...and stories...and stories. His memory was infallible...every detail...past news...current news...local...world. The forgivable fault of Marvin's (in his late years) was that the stories looped over and over, wrapping the listener. My much more grievous fault...I did not actively listen with my heart to the man behind the stories...his pride...his faith ...his patriotism.
Marvin Guy Smith was buried today...Veterans Day. A day set aside by our government to honor those who have served their country. "Served" as in stood up, said "here I am" and did the job to the best of one's ability...not as in "just doing the time," and the attitude of "I'm here...but don't expect much." Served as in willingly defending your country, served as in doing your duty even under the most terrifying of situations, served as in the awareness that one could lose a life serving country. And did it anyway.
Today's military personnel...thank you.
Marvin Guy Smith...THANK YOU.
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