When we go into the service of our Country, many of us leave home for the first time. Typically, our Moms are the ones who show their concern, write us the most letters, and openly worry about how we are doing. They are the ones who buy the unit T-shirts, push to go to graduation and ‘fly the flag’. We will always be their little ones; and this is how it should be.
Fathers, on the other hand, tend to show much less emotion. In most cases, they probably think about us in pretty much the same way Moms do, they just try to hide it a little more. But, trust me, speaking from the experience of a career Marine who is also a Marine Father and now grandfather, they are thinking of us. In return, we should be thinking of them!
This Father’s Day, don’t forget your Dad. If you can call him, do call him. If you can’t call; then write. If it is too late to write and get it to him by Father’s Day; write anyway. Address it to him. Tell him you were thinking of him on Father’s Day. Let him know you appreciate all he has already done for you and all he will do in the future. Let him know that he was a major factor in making you the kind of man (or woman) who steps up to defend your Country. He may or may not ever say so; but he will appreciate it.
Oh — while you are at it, thank him for taking care of your Mom, too.
-General Ray “E-Toole” Smith, USMC (Retired)
