VETERANS DAY IN HEAVEN

THIS IS AN ARTICLE I WROTE FOR GUIDEPOSTS MAGAZINE ABOUT MY FATHER SERVING IN WORLD WAR 2 ---NEAR THE ISLAND OF GUAM.( Published April, 2001, p. 61)

'LOOK FOR THE FLASHING LIGHT'

That's what my World War 2 Veteran Day was told as he was placed in a rowboat near the Island of Guam.

Dad was an Air Force Sergeant and in charge of this boatload of soldiers who were to be sent back to the United State following their tour of duty.

The night Dad's unit arrived at the island--which was still in Japanese hands--he was placed in a rowboat with three other young soldiers under strict orders not to advance until they saw the signal, a flashing light in the East.

A thousand fears took shape in the soldier's minds.  To take their minds off the situation, they talked about home, and the families they'd left behind. They discovered that they had much more in common that they thought.

Finally after what seemed like an eternity, a small, flashing light appeared in the distance signaling them to the shore.

My father, Raymond Rose, FINALLY made it home safely to my mother and me.

He marched in the front door of our little Texas house with a big Texas sized Cocoanut  fresh from the Philippines painted RED, WHITE and BLUE to stand for his BELOVED  USA. 

Dad liked to say that all our lives were like that night he'd spent during the war; surrounded by fear and uncertainty, finding comfort in one another as we all wait in darkness for a distant signal.

Remembering that story has helped ease the pain of my father's death.  I'm sure he received God's signal and followed the "bright light "home to Heaven.

Happy Veteran's Day Dad!

2013 by DRR

Author's Note

Honors to all of you who have served in the Military service of our great country.
God Bless America and God Bless You!

Reviews

[Eddie Phillips]

Wow! TI loved this Doug. You honor all us with this. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. You honor your father who stood the watch to keep this country safe. We are made stronger by these men.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Doug... I am touched by your
story of fear and courage experienced by
your father and so many others.
May the light in the distance bring us
all safely home. Amen... truly... Pat

[poetdoug]

Yes, our job is to follow the light, right? Thanks so much for stopping by

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for the amazing story. I'm glad your father made it home safe and sound. WW2 made a country stand as one. A outstanding story.
Coyote

[poetdoug]

Thanks so much my friend

[00000000000000000000000..]

That was a great story Doug :)

[poetdoug]

Thank you so much Jonathan

[0000000000000000000000000000]

Your very welcome

[Baby Ricochet]

Great story Doug and God bless you

[poetdoug]

Thanks my friend so much. Happy V Day

[Sami Khalil]

"Dad liked to say that all our lives were like that night he'd spent during the war; surrounded by fear and uncertainty, finding comfort in one another as we all wait in darkness for a distant signal."

So much truth and wisdom in your dad's words. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story of him and the comrades...Bravo

[poetdoug]

Thanks Sami.
You truly are a poet's best friend!

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure...Any time...:)....................