See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond
Chester Clyde Lee
November 12, 1916 – July 17, 1997
Yesterday we celebrated Veterans Day. Today, I continue that celebration with the birthday of my dad. Had he lived he would be 97 years old. He served in the Navy during WWII. He never talked about the war. It’s memories were private for him as is with so many of our veterans. The only tangibles I remember from his service were his uniforms, medals, and insignias. He kept them stored neatly away until right before he died. Mother told me one day very suddenly he gathered all that he had from his Navy days, walked into the backyard and set them ablaze. I suppose this was his way of finally letting go. It was only a short time later he went to bed one night and slipped into the final sleep.
God bless you, Papa. May you rest in peace!
Observe the past, present and future of freedom in America! It is slowly being stripped away one tradition at a time!
Read the entire article on www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com
catnipoflife 
Sharla, I believe we talked about this before. Your father was born 8 days before my father. They both served in WWII. My dad didn’t talk much about the war, but one day we went through his army trunk and found a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. I do believe our fathers were men to be proud of.
Most men of their time didn’t like to discuss their war experiences. In most cases, they witnessed too much carnage and saw the worst that humanity has to offer. Men of their generation were told always to be strong and never cry or get emotional. Talking about war would cause them to violate that creed. So, they just suffered in silence. That they didn’t brag about their accomplishments was also part of their moral code.
It’s not like today where people seem to think, if they’ve lost 50 pounds or won a million dollars on some stupid game show, then the world has to know about it.
My father never talked much about his experiences in Korea. He’s opened up more in recent years about it, though, but that’s only because it’s acceptable for men to show some emotion about those things.
Yes, we need more people like our fathers – individuals who harbor a strong sense of responsibility to their families and their communities.
WOW! Thank you, Chief, for such wonderful comments. We are very fortunate to have the fathers we have or have had. Theirs was a different time but for a lot of us they did not leave this world before instilling the true meaning behind the most important traditions.
Such a handsome man!
He was such a good man, wise and always fair. I see people almost daily now that were teens when Daddy was school principal. Even though most of the guys remember Dad’s paddle, they always remark Daddy was fair in the punishment because each knew where the guilt truly lay! 😆
I envy you. A lot. Just to have had a good man as a father. You know how lucky you are!
A beautiful tribute in your dad’s memory.
Happy Birthday in Heaven to your dad.
{Hugs}
I’m so sorry about your dad. That is a moving story though. I always wonder how that works… how getting rid of reminders sets your soul free, figuratively and sometimes literally.
Your father has my utmost respect! Men to remember!! Veterans to remember!