Posted on 12/19/2001 5:49:08 PM PST by TheRightGuy
A PATRIOT’S PASSING
He was born the youngest to immigrant parents at the onset of the Roaring ‘20s. In his teens he struggled through the depression years of the 30’s in a tough Ohio steel town. Playing hardnose high school football gave him the opportunity to attend a college he could never otherwise afford.
The day after Pearl Harbor he left college to join the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as a 1st Lt. and B-24 bomber pilot on combat missions from bases in North Africa. Returning to the States in ’43, he married his high school sweetheart, and served as a test pilot in the B-29 bomber program, based in New Mexico.
After the war, he completed his undergraduate and graduate education at Northwestern University and served as an elementary school teacher, at a time when a public education actually meant something.
He progressed into administration and served his far South Suburban Cook County community as School Superintendent for over 20 years. He also served as the Regional Superintendent for Special Education in South Suburban Cook County, Illinois during the 70’s.
He took an early retirement, disgusted by the increasing powers of Teacher’s Unions and the ever-growing dominance of federal government programs.
He loved God, and was the ultimate churchman: a charter member and Elder Emeritus in his congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
HE LOVED HIS COUNTRY! He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and the best friend a man could ever have.
He was my Dad. And,. tonight he’s gone.
I ask you not to grieve with me,
but to CELEBRATE the passing of a true PATRIOT!
Thank you.
TRG, and family
My prayers are with your family.
My prayers are with you. Your dad is motivation to press on.
You find out how important someone is to you when they're gone. You thought you knew before, but . . .
My condolences to you and your family, my thanks to God for such a wonderful man, and three cheers to your Dad.
I will CELEBRATE the passing of a true PATRIOT with you!
My dad, who passed away 6 years ago, was also a B-24 pilot.
Toast to the Host
A Toast to the Host is part of the original Air Force Song. Many times this is sung as a separate piece. This is the verse which commemorates those who have fallen in the name of our service and our great country. This is the reason for the difference in melody and the reverent, reflective mood.
Here's to your Dad!...
A toast to your dad.
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