A flyover across Washington, DC featuring 56 vintage planes in 15 formations honored the 70th anniversary of the victory in Europe today. It also happens to be Ed's birthday. Lisa and I visited Ed at Arlington today. We were fortunate to witness the flyover from Ed's grave site. It was a beautiful May day in DC. The planes flew in front of us before banking left across Memorial Bridge and down Independence Avenue. As some may recall, Ed was to have had a flyover during his service but the poor weather conditions of that day, kept the jets grounded in Norfolk. Although the event was to commemorate VE Day and those that sacrificed so much during WWII, we were certain there was a bit of tribute reserved for this special Marine Aviator who served our nation in Korea and Vietnam. Especially, when the Missing Man Formation flew by our vantage point.
A few years have passed since the day Ed left all of us, and the day of that driving rain during his burial. I'm certain, if like me, you all feel that he is never far, always in our thoughts, and continues to guide and lead us forward in our own personal journey through life.
Two nights ago, I was at a business dinner with four people that I'm just beginning to become acquainted. A good conversation was being had with our meal. Somehow, the banter got around to a sharing of stories, and then on to "unusual questions" we've all been asked at times across our careers --- you know, like during an interview you're asked, "if you were a tree, what kind would you be, etc". All of our heads were shaking as we grinned. One of the dinner guests then brought forward the one, "Dead or alive, if you could have dinner with one person, who would it be?". That same question was then put to each dinner guest.
"Jesus", followed by several other famous persons, was put forth.
As you have already anticipated, when it came my turn, I simply stated, "my father-in-law, Brigadier Edward A. Parnell".
Naturally, this answer created a pause, followed by curiosity, and then an inquiry as to "why". I conveyed to them the type, and the character of the man we all love. The gentlemen across the table assumed I must not have had the opportunity to spend much time with Ed. He asked me how many dinners I had with Ed. I told him, "Hundreds if not a thousand. Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but certainly many, many more than I could have ever had hoped. But for me, to have one more dinner with him, would be more than precious and beyond wonderful".
I then told them that my only fear about my answer, is that it is most likely the same answer of thousands of people who knew Ed. If that be the case, I can only pray I'm not at the end of the line, because I certainly will go hungry as I await my turn in that chow line behind all the many ahead.
I left the dinner that night knowing four people had just been introduced to the General. How fortunate they had just become. Almost... almost... as fortunate as we many, that shook his hand, had a chat, shared a smile, and broke bread with him. What a great gift his birth has been to all of us that were privileged to have crossed his path.
Happy Birthday, Ed! Thanks for the gift of your ever lasting friendship and presence! Though you are with us always, we miss you!
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"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction." ~Bessie Stanley, 1905