I stopped by McDonalds one day last week to satisfy my thirst with a large sweet tea! As I got in line, the hat of an elderly gentleman in front of me immediately caught my eye.  He was sporting a digital camo ball cap with "MARINES" embroidered on the back strap and I began to wonder what his story might be.

For some folks, like me, it is hard to step outside your comfort zone and strike up a conversation with a stranger.  I often worry about how the person will receive me.  Will they ignore me?  Will they think I'm a bother?  Or will I spend the next hour wrapped up in a conversation I may have not actually had the time for.  However, since joining the volunteer team at Marine Parents, I have made concerted effort to thank our veterans and active duty military members every chance that I get.

As luck would have it, we were the only two people in line that day, which helped give me just the little push I needed. I turned to him with a big smile and said "I sure do like that hat!"  When I extended my hand to thank him for his service, he thanked ME for thanking him!  In our brief conversation I found out his military career began when he was just 17 years old and that he'd been married to the love of his life for 62 years. It was no more than a 5 minute encounter...and honestly, it made my day!  

So, if you're like me, sometimes it just takes a little bit of courage to reach out your hand and say, "Thank you for your service," but I promise, you'll be so glad that you did!

God Bless

LCpl Jed and wife, Anna, became the proud parents of a baby girl born in June.  Alanna weighed in at a little over 6 pounds. Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of!

The stork also paid a visit to former participant LCpl Jeffrey and his wife, Mandy.  They were blessed with a baby boy in June as well.   Weighing in at exactly 8 pounds, everyone is quite smitten over Jax.  

I had the opportunity to attend the dedication ceremony of a park renamed in honor of a fallen soldier from our community here in Columbia, Missouri.  The park has been in existence for many years and has beautiful scenic views of Columbia.

The date of the ceremony coincided with the second anniversary of the death of young Sterling Wyatt, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on July 11, 2012, and for whom the park was renamed.  The Wyatt family hosted the gathering of family, friends, neighbors and supportive individuals from the Columbia area.  Four of Sterling's fellow soldiers attended the event as well and you could tell by each of their expressions that it was difficult for them to be there, but they came in honor of their brother and out of respect for their surrogate mother, Sherry Wyatt.   

Members of the Central Missouri Patriot Guard Riders opened and the ceremony and Paul Hobbs, local commander of the American Legion Riders, played Taps on a bugle at the close of the ceremony.  It was a beautiful evening and a wonderful way to celebrate the memory of a outstanding young man.  

I'm so glad I was able to attend the event but I think our Mayor Bob McDavid said it best when he said "Each and every one of us, in our hearts, wishes we weren't here".  Even though this park can not replace the tremendous loss of Sterling, his memory will be preserved for generations to come.

If you would like to read the full story published in the Columbia Daily Tribune, please click here....

In last month's newsletter, I posted a little Independence Day Trivia question for you to answer.

Your question: What happened on July 4, 1776?

a) The first battle of the Revolutionary War was fought?

 

b) The Second Continental Congress declared independence from Britain?

c) The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress?

d) The Declaration of Independence was signed?

Your Answer:  It was on July 4, 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress, setting the stage for the 13 American colonies to gain their freedom from the British.

To brush up on more facts about the Fourth of July, please click here....