Happy Veterans’ Day!

 

Happy Veterans’ Day!

 

Part 2.  A Month–Not Just a Day–of Thanks:  Thankful for Our Veterans

 

by Alice Jane-Marie Massa

 

 

On this Veterans’ Day which includes the centennial marking of the end of World War I, I am, as ever, thankful–enormously thankful–to all veterans who have served our country during times of war, conflicts, and peace.  Amidst this extraordinary patriotic group, my dad (James) and his three brothers(Charlie, Johnny, and Jules)–all of whom served in the United States Army, in Europe, during World War II–are especially in my thoughts today.  While my father was in a tank destroyers’ unit at the Battle of the Bulge, cousin Dom Lanzone was among those first paratroopers at that famous battle.  My relatives and I are ever grateful that these brave veterans of our family came home safe and well after the war. Additionally, on this day, I think of family members of younger generations who have served in the US military:  my cousin Dale Hendricks (Army) and my brother-in-law Ric Fanyo (Submarines).  (One nephew and two cousins continue to serve our country.)  A special thanks to all veterans who have served our United States of America!

 

Yesterday, despite an early morning wind chill of six degrees, the sun did shine on the Milwaukee Veterans’ Day Parade that passed directly in front of my townhouse for one hour and fifteen minutes.  With a display of three United States flags in my front window, I was pleased to stand and listen to this impressive and thought-provoking parade.  When “Thank you for your service” and “God bless you for your sacrifice” seem not enough, I turn to poetry and share with you the following poem from November 11, 2015.

 

A Poem of Thanks for My Dad on Veterans’ Day:

 

James F. Massa (1913-1997)

 

by his younger daughter, with love

 

 

Lady Liberty welcomed your parents to this country

and then welcomed you back home, well and free,

to go on with your life,

to leave behind

all the war’s perils and strife.

 

When your service was completed,

those memories, experiences were not shared–

emblematic of the “Greatest Generation,”

emblematic of the greatest dad.

 

While there are statues

to some veterans in D.C.,

you–the veteran,

hero, father to me–

who always wore a St. Christopher’s medal

and carried with you throughout the war

and ever after

the good-luck silver dollar

given to you by your mother–

you–the veteran,

hero, father to me–

would never have wanted a statue,

but only a permanent place

in my heart

where your valor and devotion

to family and country

touch my

tears of remembrance

on this Veterans’ Day.

 

 

God bless all the veterans and their families!

Thank you for your service!

Alice and Leader Dog Willow

 

November 11, 2018, Sunday

 

 

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