One Photo, One Story: A salute to Dad.
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
I remember Dad’s US Army uniform hanging in our kitchen, an Eisenhower waistcoat, olive green with polished buttons and pins. His rank patch on the sleeves is Staff Sergeant. He was proud of that rank. Proud of his service to his country.
As a 17-year-old deciding between facing the judge in juvenile court or enlisting in the US Army, He chose the US Army. Leave the streets of the Bronx behind and get on with being a serious adult, or gamble on the mood of a prosecutor. My grandmother was quick to allow life in the service.
The decision changed the course of his life.
71 Years later, A young Army Sergeant snapped to attention in front of me. I was shocked as he walked from my Dad’s casket, around the room with the Flag that draped his casket.
Tears were ready to burst out of me as I watched two soldiers fold the flag and announce, “ US Army soldier departed”.
As he marched with such purpose around the room, I wondered where he was going. He stopped directly in front of me and spun with precision. He looked directly at me without blinking, snapped into a salute. I stared back, not familiar with the protocol. I froze. The Sergeant held his gaze and said, “On behalf of the President Of The United States, the United States Army, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved ones’ honorable and faithful service”.
He held a salute. I became nervous, frozen as to how to respond. I wanted to return a salute. I wasn’t sure if that was appropriate. I didn’t want to be rude or sour a wonderful tribute the US Army just paid my Father. In a cracking voice, I responded, “Thank you, Sergeant”.
He handed me the neatly folded banner.
My whole being wanted to salute my Father. Return the tribute to a young man who could relate to the journey of Dad’s military service. I wanted to salute everything Father taught me. I wanted to salute his love.
The Army detail silently walked out of the chapel as the Pastor said the final prayer.
I quickly raced the Flag to my brother Paul. Paul was selfless; he looked after Dad's assets and affairs in the final years of Dad’s life. I was granted the flag as the oldest, and Paul deserved it as Dad’s protector.
It would not have been inappropriate to salute; I wish I had.
SSGT. William A. Radziewicz
1952-1955
H Company
22nd Infantry
4th Army.
“Deeds Not Words”
Comments