A letter to my dad on my first 4th of July!!!

Hi Dad,

It's my very first Independence Day!!!! I know it must be a really special day because mom's putting out decorations in red, white and blue and she's making lots of good BBQ food. Mom's really funny dad, she's been singing patriotic songs to me for the past couple of days, but today she woke up singing "I'm Proud To Be An American"! We were dancing around the deck and having a grand ol' time but then her eyes got all filled up with tears. She whispered in my ear, "I sure do miss daddy today." I had to agree, I miss you today too dad.

I've been getting quite an education for the last couple of days. Mom's been telling me all about something called Freedom. She says that there are lots of people that sacrifice a lot of things so that we can be "Free". And guess what dad, you're one of those people. Mom told me all about how you are a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. WOW Dad, that's impressive. I know I'm only 5 1/2 months old, but I know that's a really big deal. You've worked really hard for the last 22 years to be where you are today. Mom says you've flown so many different airplanes while you've been in the Air Force and that you love each and every one. I think she said that you like the small ones best, like the T-38 that you were an instructor pilot on, because they go really fast and you can do something called aileron rolls. Mom says you love doing dare devil stuff like that for fun. Whee........maybe someday you can take me on a thrill ride!!!

I wanted to thank you so much dad for the sacrifices you make to allow us to be free. You have to go away a lot on your airplane and be away from home and I know that must be so hard for you. When you are gone on those long trips you fly your airplane into enemy territory sometimes and I know that you have seen a lot of scary stuff. You've struggled through extreme heat and slept in tents and barracks and gone to places that most people have never even heard of. Thanks for showing such incredible bravery dad, you are my hero!!! Mom tells me that you fly the big C-17 planes that deliver supplies, tanks, machinery and troops overseas. That's a big responsibility dad. I appreciate all that you do to make sure our troops are well fed, warm & clean and supplied with all the artillery that they need. Mom says you even get to pick up the troops and bring them back home to their families. That must be the funnest mission to fly because you know you're making them sooooo happy. I hear that you even get to support the President of the United States when he is over in places unknown. Mom says you even got to transport his limo one time!!! Hee Hee. I bet one of these days you might even get to meet our Commander in Chief!!! Mom told me also about the time you got to meet Dr. Condoleezza Rice. I think that's pretty impressive dad. I know it's not all about the people you meet, but these are people who are fighting for our freedom as well and you have had a chance to support their efforts. I just want it to go on the record that I think that's great.

Mom also tells me that you've seen a lot of things that make you sad. She told me about the time that you transported some fallen soldiers back to their home state with flags draped around them. There must be no greater honor for you than to salute those fallen solders in thanks for what they have done for all of us. Dad, I'm proud of you. You have chosen a most worthy career and I want you to know that I notice every single bit of pride that you have to be in the United States Air Force. As mom has been teaching me about freedom, the one thing she keeps saying over and over again is that "Freedom is not Free." We have to pay a high price to walk in confidence that we are free and she tells me that our military and their families pay the greatest price. I want you to know dad, that you reward in working so hard for our freedom is that I will grow up knowing what you have done for me and for our whole family. I can't wait to grow up and learn more about our presidents and our forefathers who have labored for hundreds of years to make sure that our great land is protected. Mom even says that we will take a family trip some day to see a lot of the historical places that are anchors of our freedom. That will be a fun adventure, dad. I can't wait.

I understand that I will be amazed later on tonight with something that mom calls fireworks. She says they're just beautiful and they light up the sky with shouts of jubilation. I hope I can stay awake long enough to see some of the spectacular colors. Perhaps Mom will even let me hold my first sparkler. I think she's planning on it, but we have to wait until dark to get good pictures.


On this 4th of July I want you to know that I appreciate you dad. Even today you are away serving with your squadron overseas. Please be safe and know that we are proud of you!! Thanks for serving our country, for serving God and for serving our family. I salute you, Dad!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to grow up in this great land we call the United States of America!!!!!

Happy Independence Day Dad. I love you as big as all those fireworks I'm gonna see tonight!!! Well, "Off we go, into the wild blue yonder......." Mom says that's your Air Force song!!! I like it!!

Lovebug Hugs,
Your Son, Connor