Remembering Michaels
Today is Veteran’s Day.
Today is meant to honor the living who fought for our country. My heart overflows with gratitude and respect for the men, women, boys and girls who have sacrificed their youth, health, families, and lives to fight on behalf of our country; on my behalf.
Veterans – I honor and respect each and every one of you. I know this country has a long way to go to “do right” by you, but I hope you don’t mind if I borrow a small corner of your day to honor the memory of two people this day may not technically belong to.
Today, I honor Michael
Michael Kaske passed away on October 5, this year, barely a month shy of his 22nd birthday. After high school, Michael
enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to the USS Higgins DDG 76 (a guided missile destroyer) home ported in San Diego. Michael achieved the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class E-5. His primary duties were as an Engineman. In addition he was part of a 15-man VBSS (Visitor Boarding Search and Seizure) team that does SWAT-type Search and Seizure on land and other foreign ships. His tours of duty have had him deployed to Iraq, the Persian Gulf and the Western Pacific. [Chisago County Press]
Michael was “my face” to the war. A sweet, funny guy and loving brother (his sister is a dear friend of mine), it’s been his face I’ve pictured when I pray in my heart that we bring each one of our troops home safely and swiftly, back to their families.
Michael, I honor you today – I wish you were here for me to say that to.
Mike and his Lady Lynne
Although I grew up the grandchild of a World War II Veteran, Veteran’s Day had an entirely different meaning to me growing up. November 11th is my parents’ anniversary – as school teachers they were always able to have the day off to celebrate their love for each other together.
Michael Zaklin, my father, did not join the military, he never fought in any wars. But he did fight a two year battle against lung cancer.
Dad, it’s taken these years to appreciate how very brave you must have been; at the time, I couldn’t see past the fear. You did not choose to enlist in your war. Regardless, I honor you, smiling down on your lady Lynne, today as well.
Love to both of you, wherever you may be, and to all our veterans (yet more examples of the truly fearless),
Faryl
(I’ve included links to a couple of causes, in case you would like to make a donation in honor of either of the Michaels or someone in your life you’d like to honor today.)
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Great idea and comments….like you …we will miss him….dave and carol
Dave & Carol – I appreciate you visiting this small memorial. They both may no longer be with us, but they certainly are still loved and not forgotten.