Posted on 01/30/2002 10:19:50 AM PST by Apple Pan Dowdy
As members of the FreeRepublic Family I thought you all would want to know that one of your avid FReeper/Lurkers passed away quietly at home on Monday night after a battle with cancer. Robert, my Father-in-law, was 79 and a Marine Veteran. Although he was never quite able to get up the nerve to post here, he avidly read and enjoyed all of your posts daily. He was a man who exemplified courage, strength and an enduring love to his family, his friends, and his country. He was proud to have had the privilege of serving his country for 41 years as a Marine Aviator, active in W.W.II as a flight instructor, then in the Korean War as a pilot (flying off the Yorktown) where he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Air Medals in addition to other Service Medals, followed by 20 years in the Marine Corps Active Reserves until 1983.
May I offer to you Freepers, as an important part of his online community, a salute which he would surely do himself if he were here. Robert will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Feb 6 and his soul will find peace with his Creator.
Our parents were part of a unique generation, one responsible for giving the world one more chance for peace and prosperity. How sad that the next generation seems so intent on throwing it all away...
Welcome Bizzy. I hope this is the first of many posts we'll see from you.
My dad also lived through the depression and served in WWII. He is still with us and I often thank him for what he did in the war. (He was only 17, got special permission to enter early, fought in Pelalu and elsewhere in the Pacific.)
My sympathy and condolences to you and all of his family. What a heritage he left you.
TAPS for your Father in -Law.......
We have all heard the haunting song, "Taps." It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats, and usually creates tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be pleased to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern, and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the south when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.
But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used at military funerals, was born.
Apple Pan Dowdy, may God comfort you and your family in the days ahead.
What a great, honorable hero and American, your father-in-law. FReerepublic and the U.S. has suffered a significant loss with the passing of Robert. God Bless.
May this Brother be with God, and Peace and Happiness.
Semper Fi and SALUTE.
APD, SO SORRY at your loss.....
Semper Fi
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