The following, about our son, Austin, is written by his sweet wife, Jessica:
After a buddy of Austin's from basic found out where Austin was being stationed, he asked him to please visit his grandfather, LTC Raymond N Clark. He fought in three wars and was awarded a Purple Heart.
On Saturday Austin and I made a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, to pay our respects to a true American hero. Austin wore his blues; however, when wearing them for "personals" they must be altered. One of the cap straps was removed, no belt was worn, he had to take off his metals and wear his ribbons instead and he wore the shoes he wore to our wedding rather than his steals. It was quite a trip for both of us!
When we got there, rather than parking in the parking lot, because he was in his blues we got to literally park right up front by the gates! We were the only ones parked there the entire time, so I think it is a quite a rarity to be allowed to. It all felt so foreign to Austin, being in his blues in public and not having to keep ceremonial composure. Also, when Austin does ceremonies he's a dime a dozen, but on our personal visit it was just him, so people stared and pointed, even said "Thank you" to him in passing.
A group of little girls "oohed and aahed" over him. It was amazing for me to see everyone responses to him as well! I felt so honored, proud, happy, etc, to be his wife (I always feels this way, but Saturday I felt it more than ever). It was truly an amazing experience!
2 comments:
What an awesome thing to do. I'm just speechless.
Jessica wrote such a sweet letter -and the photos are so touching. Austin looks so handsome and this was a wonderful thing for them to do. Thank you to everyone for sharing this!
Post a Comment