My Dad didn't die in battle, nor did he die while on active duty. He passed away just eight years ago, at the age of 80; that was almost four decades after his retirement from active military service. Nonetheless, there were those who, in keeping with a common custom of the American South, referred to him as "Colonel Morgan" until the day he died.
Most folks think of Memorial Day as a time to remember those who gave their lives in war, but just a few years ago, I heard someone say it slightly differently..."to remember those who gave their lives in service to their country."
Once I heard that, I knew that Memorial Day would always belong to my Dad, but not because of the uniform he wore for so many years or the wars in which he served.
Follow me below the fold, and let me tell you about my dad...