As I celebrate Father's Day this year, I am reminded of the thousands of men, many whom were fathers themselves, that laid down their lives for our country in so many past wars. But even more than that, I will remember their sacrifice that in so many ways made it possible for families like ours to experience a lifetime of Father's Days with our dads.
As a young private in WWII in the Philippines, my dad faced certain death in Manila when he and his squad were ordered to cross a five points intersection by their green new 2nd lieutenant. This order was seen by my dad's older and experienced sergeant as a suicide order for sure. Knowing it would mean certain death for his men, the sergeant told the lieutenant that he wouldn't order his men across this open ground without a direct order. The lieutenant got in his face, and with cold steel eyes he glared at him and said "sergeant that's an order! The sergeant removed his watch, his ring, and his other personal effects, and handed them to my dad. He turned and looked at his young squad of "boys" and said I'll go first, if I don't make it I'll signal you to stay back. He slowly advanced cross the open ground alone, as my dad and the other young soldiers nervously looked on.
About half way across the street, the Japanese "opened up" on their "sarge" with machine gun fire, and nearly cut him half in two. As he was falling, he looked back and managed to raise his hand, signaling his men to stay back, and fell mortally wounded where he stood.
All my life I have remembered that story as my dad (with tears in his eyes) told us of this brave man that gave his life to insure that my mom, and we kids, would be able to have our dad, and of course, as I said, a lifetime of Father's Days together.
As I visit my dad's grave at the military cemetery on Orchard Knob, and lay down a wreath of flowers, I will be remembering my dad on his/our special day, and also that brave sergeant that made it all possible. There are countless stories like this I'm sure, so on this special day, tell your dads how much you love them while you can, and remember the many dads that gave their all as well to insure that you and I could enjoy this special day.
Bill Reesor
Ooltewah