We live in a neighborhood that has a private park.
Each year the town Fire Department, Police Department, and Ambulance Volunteers perform a Memorial Day Celebration.
Today I asked my 3yr old son Spencer if he wanted to join me to walk to the park and see the celebration - I told him there would be big fire trucks, and lots of flags, and he happily said 'yes Daddy let me get my shoes' !
We attended the ceremony - we stayed quiet, and I whispered to him what was going on, and why I took my hat off for the prayers.
We live 2 houses from the park, and after I told him about removing my hat for the prayers, he told me he'd be right back, and he ran off quietly back to the house.
2 minutes later he emerged with a hat and a flag.
The flag was not a US flag, but from one of his toys, but it was his way of participating with the ceremony with all the other folks carrying flags !
... he also brought out his hat, specifically so he could remove it from his head like everyone else during the prayers.
Of course he didnt really grasp the importance of the moment ... but for me ... a proud papa ... seeing my son stand there in silence and listen to the Chief's prayer while holding his hat in one hand, and his flag in the other, well that was a special moment for me.
I will smile during the day as I stop down to remember those giving so much for this country, and in hope that my 3 yr old will grow to appreciate those folks too.
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