Fields For Freedom

This morning, I took part in setting up the Third Annual Fields For Freedom display in Merriam, KS (a suburb of Kansas City). We built over 3000 flag poles and raised giant flags on them beginning just before dawn this morning. They will remain in place until the evening of July 4th.
I first took part in this 3 years ago in honor of my father, who was still living, and was a proud Marine from the 10th Amphibian Tractor Battallion that served in Guam and the Marshalls in WWII. Last week, my mother and brother attended his annual Marine Corp reunion in Quantico, VA in his place. He passed away the day before Thanksgiving, this past November. I also took part because my daughter is serving in the US Army as a Combat Field Medic. Two weeks ago, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Jordin, and 5 days following, my son in law was deployed to Korea. In October, my daughter, granddaughter, and faithful puppy Dougie, will all move back to Heidelberg, Germany. This will be my daughter's second deployment there, having served there for 2 years on a previous deployment. She will make this move with a baby and a puppy, but without her husband, who will follow in a year, after his return from Korea. Did I mention that she turned 21 years old on the day her husband went to Korea?
This year, I also add to my "I'm doing it because list" the fact that my "adopted son" (not legally, but in my heart all the same) Emmett, is serving in Kirkuk, Iraq along with another of my former "Sumner Academy Boys" Brian. At the same time, a third "Sumner Academy Boy",Christian, who is also expecting a little one very soon, is serving his 2nd tour over in "The Sandbox".
I have very strong feelings toward the military and the jobs they do, they hardships they face, and the families they leave behind. That is why I am again participating for a third time in Fields of Freedom. Tonight, as I sit guard all night over those flags, I will do so with pride and great diligence. It is the least that I can do in honor of those who have served and those who are still serving. I will post pictures before the Fourth, for those of you who don't live nearby and can't come and see this wonderful display. On the Fourth, when the bagpipers play, and the bugler rises to play taps, and the Army Band sings their patriotic songs, both new and old, my heart will fill to the bursting point. I am proud of our Troops! Thanks for all that you do and God bless you and keep you and your families safe. Happy Birthday America!