Thank you, Uncle Sam

I actually had an uncle named Sam. On one visit when I was about eight years old I asked him about taps at funerals. I’d heard a rumor that not everyone who served got a full honor guard at their memorial. He confirmed that was true, but told me he’d earned that honor.

Now I knew my uncle was the coolest guy ever, but he didn’t have a bunch of medals. His title wasn’t impressive. It was something like, “specialist” and he never talked about what he did. I didn’t say anything, but doubted it was true.

Uncle Sam fixed airplane engines at a nearby Air Force Base. He paid his bills and loved his family. But he always seemed tongue-tied when politics came up, especially foreign policy. He just seemed bashful. He did mention being somewhere that people didn’t want him, and that the food was all dehydrated so the people fouled the water. His unit went most of 3 weeks surviving on very little.

Many years later in his final days, he became delirious. I don’t know what he said, but it rattled my Aunt. She says it leaves her with more questions than answers; she will never divulge whatever was spoken. My uncle would not have, and she keeps that trust for him.

My uncle passed away Dec. 25, 2005.
There was a full honor guard at his memorial.

Sam had received citations of a high order that could not be revealed publicly. In fact, he could not even have the medals that would represent his actions. This impacted his life enormously. He had ulcers, damaged relationships, and was often compared negatively with others who had actually done less.

He served with honor, sacrificing his good for that of his country throughout his life.

For all the “Sams” and their families, all those who have served and sacrificed at home and abroad, THANK YOU.