Memorial Day
Dear Frankie,
Last week I went to the Memorial Day Parade with my family. On the way home, I went on and on about the marching bands, the rifle drills, and the military dogs.
My dad reminded me that the purpose of the parade was to honor the men and women who had died while serving in the military. It brought back so many thoughts about my birth mom and dad. They had also sacrificed their lives, but it was for the children whose house was on fire next door.
Together they dragged baby James out by his diaper and his sister Kate by her nightgown. When they returned to save the cat, The fire chief tried to stop them, but it was too late. Seconds later, the roof fell in. My dad had enough strength to rescue the cat before he collapsed and died. My mom never made it out.
Don’t you think there should be a parade for nonmilitary people and animals like my mom and dad, who also sacrificed their lives?
Truffle
Dear Truffle,
I’m so sorry you lost your parents. I think a parade is a brilliant idea. I particularly like the idea of one parade that honors humans and animals. There’s already too much division in America. Let’s not create any more.
I have heard many stories about animals who have risked their lives for another animal. Once I saw a video on TV about two dogs that attempted to cross a busy highway. One made it, and unfortunately, the second dog got hit. However, the one that got across safely didn’t hesitate to return to the highway to rescue his friend. Despite several near misses, he was able to pull him to the shoulder of the road.
Regarding the parade, do you have a date in mind? How about the weekend between Mother’s and Father’s Day? I suggest a local parade the first year to work out the kinks, and then you can expand to more towns in the following years. I hope you are as excited as I am about the possibility of your parents becoming a household name.
Let’s give Lassie a run for her money. I’m only kidding. She has always been my idol.
Best, Frankie
© 2022 Geneva Woodruff
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