This May was filled with remembrances... Memorial Day, a day to remember the men and women of the armed services... My dad's birthday, he would have been 89 this month... And the anniversary of his passing on Memorial Day two years ago...I believe my dad's experiences serving in the Army Air Corp during WWII and as a cop in Los Angeles gave him a jaded view of right wing politics. I remember my dad supporting Barry Goldwater for president in 1964, and then later in his life he ended up at the polar opposite end of the political spectrum staunchly opposed to the republican agenda.
My dad's life's story is one seasoned with service to his country, service to his community, explorations into Buddhism and Unitarian Universalism, and in his later years travel to to far off lands like Bali where he enjoyed meeting new people and learning of their fascinating culture.
My father's personal quest for justice and peace has also been my lifelong quest. To honor his memory, his life, his service, and his quest for peace I will continue to respect our country and those who serve while at the same time work to end war.
I have been opposed to the war machine for as long as I can remember, it is part of who I am. It is rooted in my faith in the Prince of Peace, it is rooted in my Quaker ancestors, and it is handed down to me from my dad who not only served his country in WWII and his community as a policeman for twenty-six years, but who ended up as one who spoke out against war later in life.
Peace, Love, and Light!
Kevin (Cloud)
(Photo: My dad with his mother soon after basic training c1944)
