Maddog Mad Blog

My father was a World War II veteran and an extremely patriotic man who loved his country. This is the first valuable lesson that my dad ever taught me. It was some holiday ( have no clue which one) and there was going to be a parade through the downtown area. I was probably 5 or 6 years old, at the time. My dad decided to take me to the parade and since the parade route was close by, we walked the few blocks over.

So, my father and I were standing on the corner of the street watching the different types of attendees in the parade. For example, floats, high school and junior high bands, people on horses, and beauty queens and dignitaries riding in convertibles. The street was packed with people of all ages. The sheer volume of people was surprising to me as a little kid.

At that moment, there was an approaching vehicle with the newly elected Governor of the state in the back seat. (A little back story, this Governor was a liberal in a very conservative state. So, overwhelming conservative that 90 % of elected officials are conservative.) My father, being the proud Democrat that he was, started to applaud loudly and vigorously. Initially, people stared at my father and some response, even appeared hostile in nature. But eventually, more people began to chap their hands, and it wasn’t long before everyone joined in.

After the parade ended, and as we were leaving to return home, my father asked me why I was embarrassed about my dad applauding the governor. I replied that it was because my dad’s actions drew attention to what he was doing and the fact that he was the only one doing it initially.

My dad then proceeded to tell me why he enlisted during World War II even though he could have been exempt from serving because he was married and had a wife to support. He enlisted shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor which occurred on December 7th, 1941. He was 24 years old when he joined the Army Air Corp and was considered the old man of the outfit. He also made another statement that stuck with me my entire life.

He said that he applauded the Governor, not because he was Democratic or Republican, but for the office that he held. That position demanded respect from all citizens regardless of their political affiliations.

My father was the most patriotic, flag waving, American you could ever meet and always stood up for what was right and uncompromising. He never hid from anything and his handshake was gospel. His word was his bond and what he said was always extremely honest and truthful. He was a protector for all people who needed someone to stand in the way.

I miss you dad and may God bless you all.

Be back soon….