It is our Native American tradition to officially mourn for a year after the death of a family member, which means excluding ourselves from traditional ceremonies and festivities, and then we usually have a church service and dinner to mark the end of our mourning period. However, I wanted to do something different to honor my Dad, MGySgt Vernon Tsoodle, a Korean and Vietnam War Veteran and most of all, a proud Marine. Unfortunately, he died of complications from Alzheimer's on 13 OCT 2011.
About 30 years ago, I gave the flag pole you see in the photo to Dad as a Christmas gift. Every day that he could, he’d faithfully raise and lower the American and Marine Corps flags. When Dad's health began to decline, he and Mom sold their house and unfortunately the flag pole stayed behind. Thankfully, because of the graciousness of the new homeowner, we were allowed to dig up the flag pole and erect it between the graves of my Dad and Brother, Vernon Jr., who was also a Marine.
As a tribute to Dad, we asked members the Native American Marine Corps Veterans Association, an organization which he founded, to raise the flags as he did for so many years. A light will shine brightly upon the flags to remind everyone of his honor and devotion and to thank him and all the other veterans for their service to our country.
“This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave” and may this flag shine brightly to remind of us of their sacrifices.
I am so proud to be the daughter of a Marine, the sister to two Marines and an Aunt to three more Marines. My prayers and gratitude are always with you.