10 Great Places to Learn U.S. Military History

As we approach Veteran's Day, I thought it would be appropriate to share this list, as published in USA Today on November 8, 2002. The article was in a box of memorabilia I inherited on my most recent trip to Starkville. Dad loved very little more than to stop at a historical marker, so I can only imagine that he intended to visit these ten places one day.

The National WWII Museum, New Orleans (Formerly The National D-Day Museum  
West Point Museum, West Point, N.Y.
U.S. Air Force Museum, Dayton, Ohio
Museum of the Confederacy, Richmond, Va.
The Patton Museum of Cavalry & Armor, Fort Knox, Ky.
U.S. Navy Museum, Washington, D.C.
Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola, Fla.
Airborne & Special Operations Museum, Fayetteville, N.C.
First Division Museum at Cantigny, Wheaton, Ill.
U.S. Army Chaplain Museum, Fort Jackson, S.C.

Game Play.

Melvin loved playing a few games. He & the grandchildren got quite a kick from Connect Four.

He was always up for a quick game of Rook......

Dominos brought out what can only be described as a passion, as he would get an evil glint in his eye while "rattling them bones."

But the game that he may have enjoyed most was Acquire. I had never even heard of this game before being introduced to it in the Rhodes family. Melvin was a master, an won almost every time. Even when you were certain that you had finally succeeded, that you had beat him, he still pulled it out by a few dollars. And he loved it. He didn't gloat, but it was obvious that he never had any doubt. We haven't played at Casa Rhodes since he died. It will be very strange when we finally do.

Birthday Card from Dad

Last week, I was looking through a box of keepsakes when I came across a birthday card Dad sent to me a few years ago. I didn't remember it from the front, but as soon as I opened it up, I could hear his laugh and see his smile.

He meant every word.

Miss you, Dad. Birthdays (and other days) aren't the same without your warped sense of humor.

Brooke

Melvin......

We miss you! It's coming up on the Anniversary of the INDY 500 Trip. We
will always cherish those memories with you and were so thrilled that you
wanted to spend the weekend with us!
You are always in our thoughts! I miss your advise and "our talks". You
treated me like a daughter!

Much Love,
Brooke

Jim

Unique! That would probably be the best one-word description of Mel. Let's hope he's happy where he is now, as we all miss his presence, humor, jokes, loyalty, and presence. If we ever need an advocate in heaven, I know who my choice will be!

Alex

I remember him playng songs on the Jukebox at the Len Lew so I could record them.

I remember one summer, he paid a local fisherman to take me out fishing, so I could catch different species of fish, for a Boy Scout Merit Badge- the other guy caught all types of fish, but I couln't get a strike/bite.

I rember how he let us eat or drink whatever we wanted at the Len Lew when we stayed there.

I remember the summer he taught me how to string a barb wire fence-

and I got a huge water blister on my ear.

He also taught me about Rhuli-gel for mosquito and chigger bites.

I remember the pond by the Len Lew- it had catfish that were "trained" to eat only hot dogs.

That pond was full of turtles that would bite at your bobber-

he bet me a nickle that I could not catch one.

Don't think he ever gave me that nickle though...

I know he paid a guy at the Len Lew to teach me to play PinBall, and pool.

I remember a puzzle he had- clear plastic rods, put together in a cube.

He told me that he had never been able to take it apart.

It was in a pile of pieces when I left that week-

got it apart, but never back together.

He was surprised when I was happy reading his copies of "Mother Earth News."

Speaking of reading- he intoduced me to one of his favorites- Nero Wolfe. Still love reading his mysteries when I have time,

and have always thought of Melvin when I did.

I remember being the ring boy at their wedding,

and Charlie was best man.

I held that stupid pillow with a ring on it through the entire ceremony.

When I asked what happened after the ceremony-

Charlie took HIS wedding ring off the pillow.

He had kept the real ring, and had me carry the imposter-

they were afraid I would drop her ring.

I remember the Yellow Squash Yuck Bug.

Mirror image.

It was not uncommon for Dad to emphasize his point with a raised eyebrow. It is one of the expressions I miss most.

I, too, can (and often do) raise one brow while lowering the other. My expression mirrors Dad's: he raised his right eyebrow; I raise my left. I have tried to raise my right brow, but I cannot.

A few days ago, I gave my son the raised eyebrow. To my surprise, his right brow shot up in answer.

For an instant, I saw the reflection of his Poppa. Just as I mirrored my father, my son mirrors me.

Taking Chance.

Tonight, I was completely absorbed in a movie recently produced by HBO. Taking Chance is the actual account of an officer escorting the body of a Marine killed in action in Iraq back home to his parents. Despite the grim subject matter, it is a heartwarming story of respect and patriotism. I wanted to call Dad and discuss it immediately. Then I wondered if Dad would have watched it at all. He did not watch war movies. I think having seen the live-action version in person permanently colors your vision towards such things, and Dad was no exception.

But Taking Chance is not a war movie. It is remarkably a-political. It is not about the causes, only the ultimate consequences. And if he had watched it, Dad would have appreciated all the details. Even the ones that hurt me to watch. Dad would have appreciated the cleaning, preservation, and presentation of the personal effects and remains of the fallen. He would have told me far more details than I didn't know I didn't want to know about the process. He would have reminded me, again, that too much of our knowledge of forensics has been learned from wartime casualties.

I share this because Dad would have most appreciated the respect and dignity with which the fallen soldiers are treated in this movie. Considering the less than warm reception veterans of Vietnam often received upon their re-entry into society, it would be easy to understand if Dad did not want anything to do with the military, ever. That was not the path he chose. He was a proud member (and former president of the local chapter) of the Veterans of Foreign War. He was supportive of soldiers and his fellow veterans, regardless of the circumstances which led to their deployment.

I may not always understand or support our country's military actions, but I do know that each and every service member who has ever fought to defend the flag of our nation is a hero.

Proverbial Wisdom

Despite my love of reading, I don't devour books the way Dad did. At least, not since I've had children. Still, I'm currently reading a series of books that has utterly consumed my attention. A few days ago, I ran across a Scottish proverb that really spoke to me.

It's a wise bairn that kens its father.

I had to smile when I read it, because I really did know my father. There have been a lot of occasions to wonder what Dad would think about a certain subject, or what he would do. A few times, I've thought my first instinct might not be right, but a quick double-check with someone else who knew Dad well confirms my original thought. And a few months ago, when I was struggling with a difficult decision, it was my husband who spurred me out of my quandary with a seemingly simple question, "What would your Dad do?"

And no, I might not have always agreed with Dad, and I might not choose to do what he would do... but I have a really good idea of what it would be.

I'm so glad Dad shared so much of himself with us. We are wise for it.

Parades, Pies, and Pipers.

When we lived in Starkville, I had heard of Mardi Gras. I thought it was something that only happened in New Orleans. I was wrong. Mardi Gras is a big deal here - all along the Gulf Coast, most definitely not just in New Orleans.  And we are now deep in Mardi Gras season. 

I don't think Dad ever went to any of the parades that roll through our little town, but he certainly enjoyed the spoils of our attendance. For those of you not familiar with the lingo that is now so familiar to us, let me explain a few things. Mardi Gras parades are done by societies or "krewes" who dress in elaborate costumes, ride amazing floats, and shower those lined along the parade route with "throws." In addition to the ubiquitous beads, "throws" can include anything from tiny plastic toys to enormous stuffed animals to candy and other edibles. Here in our area, Moon Pies are legendary. 

In years past, my daughters would gather up the Moon Pies they caught and proudly present them to their Poppa. Dad loved Moon Pies. He almost unfailingly made reference to "an RC cola" as the perfect accompaniment to them (though, not surprisingly, he usually actually ate them with a Coke). Last year, I wondered what we would do with the extra treats, only to discover that Poppa's grandson shares his love of the Moon Pie.  In fact, even the girls have come to enjoy them, especially given the flavor that has just debuted: Peanut Butter.

Peanut Butter was more than just a staple in Dad's diet-

it was a food group. I can't believe Dad died before the advent of the Peanut Butter Moon Pie. They would have earned a special place in Dad's heart. That is, if he ever got to try one. The kids aren't so generous with these - Poppa would have had to catch his own.

And another thing about our parades: there are bagpipers. Dad planned to learn to play the bagpipes one day, but he never did. Last year, I reached for my phone to dial Dad and let him hear the pipers as they passed us. The reality that I couldn't do that anymore was simply overwhelming - not just for me, but for all of the friends standing with me when it happened. The sound of those pipes tore through me much as the trumpet playing taps at Dad's funeral had. I thought then I might never enjoy hearing bagpipes again. 

Mercifully, I was wrong. This year, I could not only smile, but shout in support as the pipers passed. And just as they joined me in tears last year, my friends joined me smiling and shouting.  Dad's oldest grand-daughter noticed a woman among the pipers the other night, and she says she wants to play the bagpipes one day. Poppa would be so proud to have a piper.