I soon found out, and decided to dedicate mine to honor a fine man.
So much has happened in my life this last year, and I would like to share my thoughts and feelings.
I lost my dear daddy this year, and Free Republic has been a refuge for me....to express my thoughts and feelings, and I have gotten so much back. I have met folks from around the country and the world, who I now consider friends for life. I have gained so much here. I met a very special man, who I hope to spend the rest of my life with. God works in mysterious ways...:)
But beyond it all, this has been a place where I could honor one of the kindest, honest, and bravest man I've ever known.
My friend Billy Lunsford, who gave his life for our country in Vietnam.
To give you some background, I grew up (and still live in) a small village in south-central Ohio. My childhood was very innocent, but looking back on it, it was the best. Riding our sleds down the big hill across from our house after a big snowfall. Passing the baseball outside, or playing basketball on the grass in the backyard, where my daddy put up a backboard and a rim. Going fishing for hours, and then sometimes just watching the minnows swimming around the creek.
Billy was a part of all of this. He was my big brother's best friend. Unlike some of my brother's other friends, Billy didn't look upon me as a pesky kid. He was always kind and polite to me. And I had a huge crush on him.
Fast forward a few years. Billy got drafted, and my brother joined the Air Force. At the age of 13, my life turned around. One of the worst days of my life was when I heard that Billy lost his life in Vietnam. But yet, I was so proud of him. I remember going to his funeral, and hearing his daddy tell how he lost his life. A Vietnamese child was begging for food, and Billy approached them to share what he had. And he stepped on a landmine.
Then, my life went on. My brother served in the states, and came home safely. I married, and raised two wonderful children...but through it all, Billy has still been in my heart.
When Kerry got the nomination, I knew little about him. I soon found out what a sick, pathetic, disgusting man he is. HE IS A TRAITOR. He accused our Vietnam Vets of horrible atrocities, because he had a political agenda.
I deplore Kerry. But the memory of my dear friend Billy is still very strong in my heart.
So, I will be changing my tagline on Wednesday. But what will never change is my love and respect for Billy, and all those who served in Vietnam, both living and dead.
Billy gravestone has the quote "Freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know". How very true.
Thanks for listening,
Lisa
Sorry, but this doesn't belong in news/activism.
A wonderful post. Thanks.
So how do you make a tagline?
I changed my underwear this morning. It's the first of the month, doncha know?! Dear Miss Manners, Should I start a thread?
When I vote for GWB tomm. I'll think of your friend Billy.
Good for you, Lisa, Billy lives on in the memories of others.
And, as a footnote to Lisa's vital musings: There's an election tomorrow which will determine the Leader Of The Free World.
He was awarded a posthumous Silver Star.
Postings like yours bring him to mind. He is not forgotten and is real to me today as anyone.
When OBL's DNA is spread over a few acres then my tagline will change, not before. I've got more time than he does.
Fellow Lisa here.
This is an honorable thread. Don't let the grinches get to you.
Reading through the replies, I see some vain and frankly very stupid remarks.
I have seen plenty of this on the forum tonight, and it is largely due to a huge number of vanities.
Not all vanities are improper or wasteful however, and the people who made those remarks were simply not thinking when they made them and added keywords as we sometimes do to a troll.
Rest well and know that most here understood your tribute to Billy and are sorry for your loss.
Thanks for the story Lisa. I commend you for keeping your memory of Billy alive all these years.
Billy...RIP... It did mean somethin'
Wonderful post, LisaMalia! God Bless you with every Blessing from His Hand of Gracious Love.