November 12, 2007
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Nov. 12th - - VA Complaint Dept.
I recently found myself taking the VA to task over one of its procedures. That is, the protocol it follows when a Veteran passes away. There have been a lot of complaints about the services they provide. And rightly so. But, when a Veteran dies, there is no agency I have ever had the privilege of dealing with, that honors its dead with more grace.
When my father (WWII) passed away, he chose to be buried in a National Cemetary. They were ever so solicitous of, my mother first, and then the rest of us. A very touching memorial praising my father's service was completed by the playing of taps. Very moving, and my mother was presented with a flag. When Mom (WWIII) passed, a few years later, we had a similar service, presented again by the VA. We donated Dad's flag to the Library in his town. When my dahlin' passed, we gave his flag to his brother, whom he never got along with, but loved to pieces. Love the Flag protocol.
I actually love the protocol that I ended up complaining about. Not for it's substance, but for it's timing. I didn't really notice the mailing so much when my Dad died. There were just too many other things to do, and paperwork to organize, and Mom to get squared away. When I received my own, it really bothered me. Don't get me wrong, it's lovely and I will cherish it always. It's a beautifully embossed and formally written on parchment, certificate that says "The United States of America honors the memory of {your loved one}. This certificate is awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Forces of the United States." It is really a wonderful testament.
My complaint ? First, let me say, my husband was extremely proud to have served. It was something he carried with him always. He loved this country, with all its faults. He wasn't afraid to complain, loud and long, but his dedication to preserving our way of life, never wavered. My complaint is, and my suggestion to the VA was, this should have been presented to him, when he was alive. He would have been so pleased. Especially after Viet Nam, this would have meant so much to him. As I'm sure it would to any soldier.
So, basically, that's what I told the Veteran's Administration. They really do have a lot of other problems, and so many people to care for. I just wanted to thank them for the flags and explain why I think they should make a change and honor the living, too.
Okay......NOW Veterans Day is over.
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Comments (10)
My dad also was buried where he wanted to be with his WW2 buddies and my dad and my sure yours had been to so many of their friend's funeral's that they knew that the honor was given to you when he was gone. My dad said,"if you ever need help go to our local DFW and they will help you because you by being my daughter:you are automatically their's. It gave him alot of comfort that after he was gone that I would be looked after by the ones still here.
Hi Moe, thanks for your visit and comments. I learned a lot about love last week preparing my message on the Love of God. I was somehow given an opportunity to love a family in need. I learned that if I were to operate on the basis of love, it will take more of my time helping others instead of doing what I want, and it will cost me something personally--in this case, a little cash, and some car sharing. I found out that loving others makes you feel better, but it is expensive as to time and resources. Love is not cheap.
Anyway, I love it when new people visit and comment. I think I came across your site before.
About the Vets--I have known a number of Vets in the past. While they had a few complaints, I saw that they received some very nice help. I found an old homeless Vet during the Census. He worked for the Census Bureau. Some one there was passionate about Vets. He got him registered and signed up. Then he was given wonderful medical an dental care. They offerred him a place to stay, but her prefrered to live in a little tent in the middle of the Carmel River area. He would go to a local Cahtolic monk place for food and wash his clothes. He was very, very smart. He learned 'working' Spanish in about one week.
Blessings
frank
Thank you for your kind words. IT helped me.
That's really interesting. My grandfather was in the Navy, but he doesn't make a big deal about it. His job was making coffee. He wanted to reinlist later for some reason, but they wouldn't let him because he was too old. He said "I can still make coffee" lol... I thought that was great! Someone has to make the coffee right!
ryc- ROFL Great let's have Xmas in January or something when I'm bored anyway hahahahah
The party was very tiring, but excellent! I love it every year, but couldn't do that more than once lol.
thank you very much for both your visit and compliment
ryc- I'm definitely going to get some photos of Max's head in my mouth. That's pretty weird... not something I thought I would ever experience honestly LOL. I always give handmade Xmas gifts. I hate the commercialization of the holiday, but I love my family too much to just boycott the whole thing. They wouldn't understand that... so I try to make something that's worth giving. It is important to budget the time well, though... Last year, I took months to make my mother's gift. I started in July. This year, they're getting those hand sewn ornaments. They take about 5 hours each to make. I think I can handle that in a month and a half
ryc- I only have to make 40 or so by Xmas LOL. It's not red denim- just a medium weight cotton I dyed.
Hi, I saw your footprints on my site today, it is good that you care about American military veterans and it is good that you were married to one of them, may he rest in peace. My father had a cousin who was a B-52 pilot who died in the service in the Vietnam War. We've lost touch with that branch of the family but I am very proud on some deep level of this.
ryc: Thanks for posting on my site. Yes, I have been in hell and am only now stopping smelling of singed hair. I still have a few blisters from the fire but they are also beginning to heal (I hope with crossed fingers). That was 4 years ago--yep, I still sting. And yes Oceanstar is lovely both in looks and in spirit.
I remember John, Martin, and Bobby. I was in elementary school when John was killed. I was 11 years old. I remember hearing crying in the hall and not understanding all of the problem. I lived in a town in Oklahoma. Coweta, OK lost more boys in Nam that any other town in the United States, based on population of the town. I remember the funerals that seemed to happen each week or even quicker and the boys that came back were so screwed up that it was just as sad as the funerals. I have never believed in killing the messenger just because I didn't like the message. That is how I feel about Vets. My Dad served in WW II and my uncles in Korea. I have not lost my loyalty to those who fought for this country. I just didn't agree with the reasons for the fighting. Interesting that the men who start the conflicts are never called to defend their decisions.
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