Lance Corporal Ronald Kibilko, USMC, Vietnam
Happy Memorial Day, Daddy. I went outside to salute our flag. I remembered those who died on the field of battle like your men as well as the brave who died on the home front. I poured out a cup of black coffee for y’all while smoking a nasty menthol cigarette; drinking my nasty sugar and milk coffee; and listening to American Trilogy by Elvis Presley.
I can appreciate why you chose that song to be played at your funeral now. You died in the land of cotton, aka Georgia snow with your birds, dogs, momma and I like you wanted. It was a great comfort.
Momma died with me like she wanted. I still have trouble with her death though. Survivors’ guilt. I know that you understand. I wish you were here to help me through it. I’ve had some service members watching over me and helping me heal though. They’ve been a great comfort.
I miss you and momma so much. I couldn’t help but shed tears the entire time. I’m a home front daughter. It’s different. You understand and appreciate that. We still soldier on through it all though. We are just as strong, brave and tough as y’all, only in a different way.
I ended up listening to American Trilogy twice while thanking you, the boys and momma for raising me up right. There is no greater gift, appreciation for our nation, love and sadness than being a part of our military family.
We are what makes our nation great. It has never been the war mongers and leaders of our country who send our brave into battle who deserve the glory. It has never been the glad handers who show their support with garish celebrations, sales or a free meal for service members while looking down upon our brave. It is those who serve and sacrifice for us all.
We are the ones who help each other through it all with far too little help from our government and nation. We proudly take care of and support our own. It’s just our way. It’s what makes us the greatest even when we falter.
You taught me that greatness every single day of your life. You smiled at the glad handers. You took their hypocrisy with humility and humbleness while I dressed them down. You thanked police officers for their service even when they were arresting you. You went up to every single service member with pride in who they are, not in who you were.
I still carry that respect with me. Even when I didn’t know who I was or am, I thanked those who served and tried my best to hold my tongue when upset or angry at them. I reminded them of their oaths. I asked them to do what is right so as not to dishonor their service in any way. I remember how painful that guilt can weigh on y’all.
It was war, daddy. Sometimes Americans don’t understand that it’s kill or be killed; that orders must be obeyed; that split second decisions must be made; or that leaders are the ones truly responsible. It’s why you told me repeatedly to never trust a CO or NCO. I still don’t until they prove themselves. My heart is and always will be with those on the front lines.
I proved that with patrol officers and sheriff’s deputies. I told them what their superiors didn’t to try to keep them informed and safe. I even told others to tell a certain officer to never sit on his gun while in a compromising position. I almost killed that boy like y’all taught me. Thankfully, I remembered how to stop that feeling like y’all showed me countless times. You never harm a service member. You stand down unless being attacked or given orders. It can be hard. I’m just saying. Respect.
I pray for those brave who are no longer with us. I pray for those who served. I pray for those currently serving to be safe; honor their service and come home to our amazing family. We love y’all like no other. We understand. We ARE the home front. We truly believe that
Every life matters, especially yours.
God bless America and especially Her people.
