Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

Most of the time when I phoned my parents, I spent much of the call chatting with my mom. But, every year, November 11 was a day that I called specifically to talk to my dad. He was a Marine and was a veteran of two wars, WWII and Korea. He was so grateful to have earned his college degree in between those two wars and spent most of his career as an engineer for General Electric. He also stayed in the Marine Corps Reserves until the early 1980s. “Semper Fi” was a serious motto for him!

I learned about the respect for the human dignity of all people from my dad. He treated all people with respect, and the men who served under his command spoke eloquently of the way Ahey experienced his care for them. After my dad had passed away, I had the opportunity to meet with a man who served in his unit in Korea. I was taking a summer class in upstate New York for a few weeks in the hometown of this man. My mom contacted him and his wife to let them know I’d be in their town. “Curly” and Dorothy went out of their way to give me a tour of the town and to take me to dinner more than once. Curly kept saying what an honor it was to be able to treat me to a meal after all my dad had done for him. I was overwhelmed with his kindness and let him know how honored I was to be able to spend time with him.

Today we give our gratitude to all who served our country. This day is set aside for remembering all that they offered to protect the rights and freedoms of not only the United States, but those around the world. We are forever grateful for their service. And for me, it’s a special joy to wish a Happy Veterans Day to the fine men and women who have given us that protection, because I really miss being able to thank my dad for all he did.

Blessed Angela: “When fierce storms arise, let us not draw back, but let us fight all the more against the flesh, the world, and the devil.”