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A Veteran's Day without Dad

By
Real Estate Agent with South East Valley - www.AmyJonesGroup.com DRE# SA528757000

Richard McGarrigle,  USN, RETI'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.

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Amy Jones, REALTOR®, CNE, EPro,CDPE, CSSPE
Keller Williams Integrity First Realty ~3341 E Queen Creek Rd, Suite 109, Gilbert, AZ 85297
Direct 480-250-3857 

Chandler, Sun Lakes, Gilbert, Tempe & Ahwatukee Real Estate
Voted Chandler's BEST REALTOR for 4 years! 

www.AmyJonesGroup.com

www.PhoenixArizonaRealEstateBlog.com 
www.YourSunLakesLifestyle.com

 

 

Comments (49)

Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

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.

Nov 11, 2008 11:51 PM
Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind
KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate - Tucson, AZ
Broker/Owner

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 

Nov 11, 2008 11:59 PM
Harold "Hal" Place
A1 Connection Realty, Inc. - Sun City Center, FL

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.

Nov 12, 2008 12:10 AM
Tana Plewes
Possibility.ca - Kelowna, BC
CEO, Discovery Centre for Entrepreneurship

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

Nov 12, 2008 12:52 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

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!

Nov 12, 2008 01:05 AM
#34
Colleen Lane
Kennewick Richland (and West) Pasco WA Homes For Sale - Kennewick, WA
Realtor(r) 509.438.9344 www.LaneRealEstateTeam.com

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

Nov 12, 2008 01:14 AM
JoEllen Keating
Prudential Ambasssador Real Estate - Omaha, NE
Prudential Ambassador, Omaha Nebraska Real Estate

Sorry, I wasn't signed in!!!

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!

Nov 12, 2008 01:24 AM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate

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.

Nov 12, 2008 01:52 AM
Mark & Lisa Ramsey
Keller Williams Realty - Charlotte, NC

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

Nov 12, 2008 02:03 AM
Carla Rocha - RochaTeam
United Realty Group - Sunrise, FL
Talk To Us

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.

Nov 12, 2008 02:18 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

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

Nov 12, 2008 03:26 AM
#40
Abiud "Abi" Montes
EWM Realtors - Fort Lauderdale, FL

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

Nov 12, 2008 05:49 AM
Luke Landis
First Priority Financial - Des Moines, IA
VP of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate

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.

Nov 12, 2008 06:30 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

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!

Nov 12, 2008 06:56 AM
#43
April Hayden-Munson
Brookfield, WI
Brookfield Wisconsin Real Estate

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! 

Nov 12, 2008 07:13 AM
Sheila Moran
RE/MAX Access (Garden Ridge, San Antonio, New Braunfels) - New Braunfels, TX
SanAntonioSheila.com, RE/MAX Access, 210-32

Amy,

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

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

Nov 12, 2008 07:41 AM
Cat Zwicker, CRS
Desert Sky Real Estate, LLC - Redmond, OR
Down to Earth Service; Out of this World Results!

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

Nov 12, 2008 08:21 AM
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services Inc - Gulf Breeze, FL
Buyers Agent 800-309-3414 Pace and Gulf Breeze,Fl.

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.

Nov 12, 2008 09:12 AM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

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 12, 2008 12:04 PM
Amy Jones Group
South East Valley - www.AmyJonesGroup.com - Chandler, AZ
4 Time BEST OF OUR VALLEY Winner

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

Nov 21, 2008 05:46 PM