Fathers Day

Today is Fathers Day across America. My family and I just came back from seeing the traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial. We have always been strong supporters of the young men and women who put their life on the line for our freedoms. It's always amazed me how even with all the BS associated with this war going on now, that these young men and women still sign up and fight to the death for something they believe in... God bless you service men and women.

My wife had bought a bracelet back in the 70's with the inscription of a soldier who was missing in action at the time. His name was "FREDERICK J FORTNER". We later found out that he was killed in action. My wife has kept that bracelet all these years. We have always wanted to visit the Memorial in DC, but have never had the opportunity. So we thought this would be a good chance to pay our respects since we didn't know how soon we would be able to actually visit the real Memorial.

When we arrived at the park where the Wall was set up, there were already allot of people there. We went right up to the Wall when we got there and tried to find Fredericks name, but we had no idea how to find it. There was a booth set up on site where they would help you find the persons name and location on the Wall. Once we had that, we went back to the Wall and found LCDR Frederick J. Fortner's name.

As we drove home I thought about all the names on that Wall, and how that is only a scratch of the lives lost for our freedoms. Then I also thought about how it's Fathers Day, and all the families across America who are without their husbands and fathers because of some war. So for me, today is Fathers Day, but it's also Memorial Day.

It is my prayer this day that the creator of the universe, the God of all things be with the soldiers this and everyday. Guiding them, protecting them, putting His loving arms around them and their loved ones in these uncertain times.

Happy Fathers Day!!