by Andy Weddington
Tuesday, 11 November 2014 - Veterans Day
"He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened. He who conquers others has physical strength. He who conquers himself is strong." Tao-te Ching
My Dad did not speak about the deeper meaning(s) of his military service. What I remember him saying, "I think a man is incomplete if he's not served in the military."
No more he offered in explanation.
But why explain what needs no explanation?
And why bother trying to explain the inexplicable?
He was wise that way.
Airman Harry F. Weddington, Jr. USAF (1954 - recruit training)
Though he did not press, Dad's four sons voluntarily pursued military service - Navy; Marines; Coast Guard.
Three retired.
The explanation?
His haunting words.
His example.
How could a young man not want to willingly follow?
Harry F. Weddington, Jr. (1935-2014) and 1stLt A. F. "Andy" Weddington, USMC
Parade Deck, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC - 1983
We shared common ground.
Since, I understood him.
"Thank you, Staff Sergeant Weddington, for your selfless service to country, and to family."
And though those words important they are not the most important I ever said to my Dad. Those words stand, even in rest, "I love you, Dad."
And, god, do I miss you.
Semper Fidelis.
Post Script
My brothers - Steve, Ken, and Pete. A salute to you, too.
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1 comment:
Like your father, mine would never freely talk about his service in the Army-Air Corps and the 30 mission he flew over Germany during WWII. And, like you, I miss him to this day - he was my Dad.
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