A 4th of July never to be forgotten

August 6th, 2007 |

Author: Toni

A friend of the family of 1Lt Frank B. Walkup IV of Woodbury, TN sent this piece to Patriot Guard:

This I have known

I know the shape of a stranger’s lights coming up the driveway as I relax with friends. It has to be a stranger. He didn’t come all the way to the back of the house where we are on the patio.

I know the ‘jump’ when the kids say “Dad! There are two Officers here to see you.” – and you start counting heads to make sure all of the kids are safely at home.

Confusion.

I know how the light plays on the neatly shaven heads of two officers as they come through the back door, light splashing off brass.

I know how your heart sinks when you realize that they aren’t Police Officers, at all. They are wearing Class A’s. They come to deliver news and I almost feel sorry for them. They aren’t wanted in the homes that they come to.

My head spins as I round up the younger children and heard them upstairs. As I walk through the door, I see the Officers snap to attention and hear one of them say “I regret to inform you.” and I hurry the kids a little faster and try to keep a straight face for the older ones. It should be their parents that tell them of the news – not me.

I’ve seen the stoic, desperate look on the faces of boys, struggling to be men – they know why the Officers are here, but are afraid to speak the words or acknowledge them. Two young girls, frantic, tears streaming, fighting the truth. Mother saying “This can’t be real. Tell me its not real.” Searching in the night for the newly oldest brother – bringing him home. A father holding it together. the despairing, lost look in the eyes of the new widow. All unbelieving. This can’t be real.

Hearts broken.

I’ve seen the grace of a grandmother taking care of everyone and the tears of a Hero from another war; a grandfather to whom this war has just become very personal.

I also know the love of a community. I’ve seen how they stand and embrace a hurting family. Bringing food, food, food – and love and prayer. Some silently, others with long hugs and holding hands. Family comes from across the country, just to be there.

I’ve felt the love of true friendship and seen friendship from strangers.

I’ve seen the pain in a Ranger’s eyes. Mourning for Frankie and for others that have gone before him in war and at home. I’ve seen my sons cry. My heart breaks again.

I’ve seen the Patriot Guard and Rolling Thunder, protecting the family from those that would hurt them. A community sending them away, silently, so quickly that they are never seen by the family. There presence is not felt. Only the love of the community.

I’ve seen what must have been all of Cannon County line both sides of the street, holding flags, tears in their eyes, honoring their Fallen Hero. I’ve seen a poster – “We love you Spartan 6″ and it will always be on my heart.

I’ve learned that others came from far away to honor 1 Lt. Frank B. Walkup, IV and his family – folks that never knew Frankie.

You see, America is still America and July 4th is still ours. In this small town, the red, white and blue still stand for honor and family. Patriotism still lives in the memory of one Soldier, who gave everything, and the heart of one community that gave such a blessing to his family on this Independence Day.

I will never forget the pride that I felt in my America this July 4th. The patriotism. The love. I will remember it every Independence Day, for the rest of my life. I only wish all of America and our troops could see how much you all love our country and support the Soldiers fighting for Her.

Frankie showed us all of these things in a matter of weeks.

Through this, I am honored.

Now I have known.

Thank you, Woodbury and Cannon County, for loving my friends so tenderly and honoring their son so proudly. I will always remember you on the 4th of July.