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A Veteran's Day without Dad

Richard McGarrigle, USN, RET I've bragged about my dad, Richard "Mac" McGarrigle before and I'll probably brag about my dad until I draw my last breath. Dad was a US Navy Veteran (20 years, Retired, Chief Boiler Technician, WWII) who lived with my husband, TJ, and I until he passed away last month after a long brave fight with Cancer.

Dad taught me everything I know about patriotism... He taught me that you could have 3 ships sunk right out from under you and never hold a grudge against anyone. He taught me to salute our flag by putting my hand over my heart whenever it passes by in a parade or whenever the National Anthem is played. He taught me you don't talk or chew gum when you're saluting our flag. He taught me that you should never wear your hat when you're saluting our flag, either.

Sometimes I wonder if the general population knows anything about flag etiquette? It sure doesn't seem like it when I'm watching a crowd anytime the flag is presented or the National Anthem is played. So many seem oblivious to our flag as it passes by and aren't even hearing the words of our National Anthem. I know many feel it's not "cool" to salute our flag. But really, it's not "cool" when you don't.

Maybe we should do a better job as parents teaching our children about patriotism. Veteran's day is more than a day off work or school. It's more than just a day when the mail doesn't come. It's a day to remember those who have served our country. It's a day to fly the American Flag. My daddy

For the first time, Dad wasn't here to put the flag out today. So with tears in my eyes I gently unrolled dad's flag. The flag he had so carefully put away the last time he took it down. Today I put the flag out for Dad and the tears fell. Tears because I miss dad terribly and because I'm proud of him for giving 20 years of his life fighting for our country. So, for dad and for Veterans everywhere.... I say "thank you" from the bottom of my patriotic heart.

Amy Jones, Realtor, ABR, CNE, EPro, CDPE
Chandler, Sun Lakes, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Tempe & Mesa
Named one of the "Top 50 Real Estate Agents" by the Phoenix Business Journal

RE/Max Excalibur
4921 S. Alma School Rd
Chandler, Arizona
Direct~480-250-3857

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Posted by Amy Jones on 11/11/2008 07:37 PM

Comments (49)

veterans day

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49 Comments on A Veteran's Day without Dad

NOV

2008

With HEART FELT TEARS I commend you for remembering your daddy today along with all of the other brave men and women who fight for our freedom! I know you must miss him,

I found a penny today,
just laying on the ground.
But it is not just a penny,
this little coin I found.
Found pennies come from heaven,
thats what my Daddy told me.
He said Angels toss then down,
oh how I loved that story.
He said when an Angel misses you,
they toss a penny down.
Sometimes just to cheer you up,
make a smile out of your frown.
So don't pass by that penny
when you're feeling blue.
It may be a penny from heaven,
that an Angel's tossed to you.

GOD Bless you and your family!

Sharon

Amy, and the comment-poem from Sharon are both incredibly hard acts to follow so I will not attempt to wax eloquently. I'll just say..I miss my dad some days more than others and this is one of those days (retired Air force- Korea) passed in 2001.

Amy you should be very proud of your father and the values that he taught you. I served on a Carrier during Vietnam, and was down in the boiler rooms a few times. That was not a pleasant area of a ship, the heat was almost unbearable, yet I never heard those serving down there complain.

Amy You dad is a true patriot and I know that all of those things he has taught you will go on! What a lovely tribute to your dad.

God bless you Amy. I have a beautiful daughter and we love each other and are best friends at the same time, so you made me cry. There is nothing like a true father and "princess' love. Only those that have been there understand.

Your father was a true hero. I posted a Veterans article today also. God Bless America and our Veterans!

Amy - This is a touching post, a terrific tribute to your dad, and to all veterans out there.

And I remember my mom, a military doctor during the WWII. Left us 20 yeas ago and staying in my heart ever since

Amy,

What a wonderful story, your dad sounds to me like one amazing guy. I'm sure you made your dad very proud too. My own was one of the WWII vets himself.

As a proud American, I had a flag pole installed not long ago in my front yard with a light for night, I absolutely love it. I've always loved Old Glory!

God Bless all the men and women in the service of our country and the families they leave behind.

Amy - What a loving and heart warming tribute to your dad. It brought tears to my eyes knowing he was not here today to put out the flag for the country he so dearly loved and served. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.

A beautiful sentiment straight from the heart. . .today you have truely honored your father and all Veterans. I lost my dad (also a WWII vet) three years ago and I still tear up at times. It's very hard to lose a parent. Hugs.

Amy,

Your Daddy deserves all the thanks and recognition! I personally offer my thanks and also my condolences. Speaking as a child of a USN Veteran now deceased, one whom I absolutely appreciate and miss terribly, may I say, the memories remain and grow fonder, you'll hear your Daddy's voice within in different situations. At first I thought that was kind of weird but I know that that is part of the parent/child relationship.

Lastly, the pain eases but the preciousness of that relationship grows stronger each day!

God bless you, God bless your dad, God bless a President who can salute the flag. My father has been "gone" for 22 years. He was 101st Screaming Eagle: Normandy, Bastogne, Belgium -- twice decorated for valor. I bet your dad is just as cool as my dad - and I can assure you that by me he is just as appreciated.

Noli me tangere. <<<x)))

Amy.. Such a great post.. thank you for sharing... Sounds like your father was a great man

Your words mean more than I can say. Today was a tough day for me because Veteran's Day was always a special day for dad. It's only been a month since he passed but the house seemed especially quiet today. I could actually hear the echos of his little giggles and sayings and I think I actually felt him smiling when I put out his flag. Your comments are a blessing. Thank you all so much.

Amy~ Your post touched my heart. It bought tears to my eyes and made me realize just how much I miss my dad too. Your dad sounded like he was so wonderful and special. He will always be in your heart and soul and all you have to do is think about and remember all of those fantastic memories and the incredible journey you had with him!

What a lovely tribute to your dad. It is a shame that flag etiquitte in schools anymore. Thanks for your story

What a fitting post Amy. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story about your dad and the great lessons he taught. Thank you Mr. McGarrigle for the years of service you gave to our country. God Bless him and all of our veterans.

This is such a great day...I am so glad so many people take the time to remember!

Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story about your father. I know he is proud of you...

I had logged off AR and saw your blog. I had to log back in to respond to your heartwarming story. I don't think the younger generation knows the ediquette, and I do feel your loss. Today is 2 years that I lost my father. Although he was not a Veteran, he was my hero, and it feels like only yesterday that I saw him and heard his voice. I miss him deeply every day!

Amy I too had a Dad that was a WWII vet. Navy, mchinst. He's been gone since 90'.

What an awesome way to remember you father, and you are absolutely right about how the population has become ignorant towards the flag of this country.

NOV

2008

Amy- I was moved to tears reading your story. Very similar to the one I wrote about my Daddy today. I still have my Daddy, but he also had cancer 9 years ago. The surgeons told us then they knew they did not get it all. My daddy takes oral chemo every day. I'm blessed he's still with me and grateful for everyday I get to have him. I'm so sorry for your loss and so happy that you had the wonderful relationship with him that its so obvious you did. I can tell from your love and story that he was a great father and raised a wonderful daughter in you and that he is very proud of you. When I put my flag out at the office tomorrow I promise to think of your Navy dad. God Bless You.

PS- I also taught my three children proper repect for the American flag and I agree so much with what you said.

Amy, I also am a Navy Veteran and am still very close with my shipmates. I was touched by your story as were so many others. I served during the Vietnam War, when the flag meant little to people who would burn it, spit on it and drag it behind their cars. I felt as if I was sub human because I chose to serve my country. I too was spat on in airports when wearing my uniform.

I wish I could have met your father, he too sounds like so many of us that served to protect the constitutional rights of all. We're not heroes, we're veterans who are proud to have served...

God Bless you and your family

Rich

Charlotte NC

This post really hit home and made me Miss my Dad too! and Grandfather and Uncle Bud. Grandfather was career Navy (Cheif Gunners Mate). My Dad - Navy World War II in the pacific and my Uncle a Navy Leuitenant in WW II.

I found your post so touching---read the blog you wrote when your dad passed away. I played golf with my dad a few months before he passed away---to this day, I remember that special time.

Veteran's Day is a special day for very special people. For those who feel saluting the flag isn't cool should change their point of view. It is very cool. I agree we should teach our children differently.To respect the flag and what it stands for. To Unite as a Country and be thankful everyday. I am glad you had a very special father in your life.

Thank you Amy for sharing not just the flag etiquette but very special memories of your Dad; he sounds like a wonderful man!

My husband's Dad and his four uncles (all 5 brothers) served in the WW2...one of his uncles was the medic for Patton. We have some of their medals. All brave men!

Hi Amy,

What a wonderful story - thank you for sharing.

You bring up a good point about teaching your kids about Patriotism. My wife and I have 3 little ones and this post is a friendly reminder to me to instill these same values in them.

Thank you. :)

Amy, what a heartfelt post. I do believe that patriotism is passed down within a family. Is the holiday celebrated with picnics, parades and football or a time to honor the men and woman who served. Great post.

Good Morning Amy. Oh this made me cry because yesterday, as I wrote a post about my dad, I was already thinking of the day when my child is older and will read what I had to say about her grandfather and what he means to me on Veteran's Day. A day of where you were at yesterday. My heart hurts for you but it also feels the pride of that flag flying - for your Dad. -- Gabrielle

Hi Amy,

A wonderful tribute to your Dad. I miss mine too, he passed when I was only four, we were close, he taught me much in the short time we were together. I was born on Memorial Day and thought back then, they were flying our flag in the passing parade because it was my birthday. Dad respected our flag and taught me to do the same.

Amy - what a beautiful post...and Sharon's poem too. - Tana

Amy - thank you for sharing your story. Whenever the national anthem is played, I proudly put my hand over my heart as tears well up in my eyes. I remember as a young child when the US was playing hockey against Russia in the Olympics and the national anthem was playing I was being goofy or laughing. My Dad scolded me and told me "you do not laugh or talk during the national anthem". It was one of those lessons as a child that has always stuck with me. God Bless you and your family and God Bless America!

The most touching Veterans Day tribute I've read. I agree, too many take our flag for granted. I feel for your loss Amy.

Sorry, I wasn't signed in!!!

Great post Amy. I think of my Dad often as well and the work ethic he instilled in me and my 2 sisters is second to none. We are all truly blessed to have had great fathers we can think of often and have a warm place in our hearts. Be blessed.

Go Navy!

Amy, I'm sure your dad was as proud of the Navy as my dad is! In fact, both my wife and my dad are Navy men. We are a Navy family through and through. But, more importantly, we are all Americans. Without people like all of our fathers and the brave men and women of our volunteer military today we wouldn't be the country we are and have the freedom we have.

I solute your father and all those like him. He has left a legacy on this earth that includes you, your family and The United States of America. That's a wonderful contribution. As my dad would say, Bravo Zulu!

I thank you for your post and for remembering all the veterans! God bless you and God bless The United States of America!!

Sincerely, Mark Ramsey
www.TheRamseyGroup.net

Amy,

My father passed away 3 weeks ago. Even though he did not serve, he did teach me wonderful lessons. How to be fair, honest, faithful and above all true to your beliefs. I miss him terribly and am glad for the time we spent together.

I am sorry for your loss. I am trying to remember the good moments and lauhgs together to get me thru these hard times.

Dear Amy, What a moving post. Your dad is one to admire, and your reminder of the true meaning of Veterans Day is one to remember. Thank you. Harley

Dear Amy

Here is a quote that I think... Well just look at it...

Thanks for your post.

"It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our
country, in defense of us, in wars afar away. The imagination plays a
trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as
something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray-haired. But most of
them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives, the one they
were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave
up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave
up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our
country, for us. And all we can do is remember." - Ronald Reagan

Amy,

I'm so sorry you lost your dad. I remember when we were doing business together how you unselfishly had your dad living with you and how much you adored him. Because of what your dad instilled in you, you were able to instill it in your children and now your grandchildren. I know your dad is very proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Just remember, you'll see him again.

My sentiments exactly. My Dad was a proud veteran also and we lost Daddy in 2003 after a hard but brief battle with lung cancer. Dad was proud to be an American and served not only our Country but his community as well. He was a elementary and middle school principal who loved kids. He served in the Ruritan Club and the Rescue Squad. He volunteered after retirement with the Department of Social Services, giving his time and his own money to help out with the kids. He was an active member of his Church and served his faith well. So here't to all the Veterans, both here and gone, May they rest in peace!

Amy , So sorry for your loss. I know exactly how you feel. This is my 2nd Veteran's Day without Dad. I cried big, big tears yesterday remembering and missing him.

God Bless You!

Amy,

Geez, I have tears in my eyes also...

Cheers to your Dad and all of the Veterans out there!

Amy, What a wonderful tribute to your Dad and our veterans. GBU! and all the veterans out there!

Amy Just keep the memories alive and looks like you have some wonderful post here to help as well. God Bless and I sure your Dad and looking down and with a beam in his eye.

This was a lovely post about your dad. Sounds like he was the salt of the earth. It reminds me of my grandfather, whom I lost about 9 years ago.

NOV

2008

Thank you for all your wonderful posts. You have warmed my heart. God bless~

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