Dad's letter is my Veterans Day ritual

By Doug Bradley | db@al.com

One letter, one page, one reason.

That’s what I get every Veterans Day from U.S. Army Veteran Vince Agnello.

It’s not a long letter, maybe 800 words or so, typed in Times New Roman font, single spaced. But after 17 years, I’ve come to look forward to the letter as much, if not more, than the phone calls from my two daughters.

Letter has many meanings

The letter is many things. It’s a way for Vince to stay connected with our readers, although I’m the only one who sees it.

It’s his way of thanking veterans for their service. It’s his way of remembering those we’ve lost. It’s his way of sharing his military experiences.

But for me, the letter is also a way for me to connect with my dad.

Vince Agnello died in 2005, two months before his 84th birthday. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was also a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

I miss him every day. But on Veterans Day, I feel his presence more than ever. And that presence is magnified by the letter that arrives every year, postmarked Nov. 11.

Continuing the legacy

The letter is a legacy of my father’s service to his country. And it’s a legacy that I’m proud to continue.

Each year, I print out the letter and read it aloud to my staff. I do this not only to share Vince’s words with them, but also to remind them of the importance of their own service to their country.

I also share the letter with my readers, and I’m always grateful for the response I get.

Appreciation for veterans

The letters from readers tell me that Vince’s words have touched their lives. They tell me that they’ve learned something new about the sacrifices that veterans have made. And they tell me that they’re grateful for the service of all veterans.

That’s what makes the letter so important to me. It’s not just a letter from my dad. It’s a way for me to share his legacy with the world.

And it’s a way for me to say thank you to all veterans for their service.

Thank you.