Today is my father's 95th birthday. Could I ask you, dear reader, to say a Hail Mary for him? Just about this time of year in 1944, not long after he turned 18, he reported to the Army’s San Francisco Port of Embarkation building, which still stands at Fort Mason near Fisherman’s Wharf. He got on a troop ship for Manila and served in the Pacific theatre under General Douglas MacArthur until the war was over. He brought a few fistfuls of Japanese occupation money back as souvenirs, and I still have a “one centavo” note by which to remember his service. In gratitude to my Dad, I will offer Mass for him at noon today and hope many Ave’s will be lifted up to heaven for him. Somehow he never received the Sacrament of Confirmation, something my mother has always lamented. I hope that during my next visit home he will permit me to confer that sacrament upon him, if I can get permission from the Bishop of Harrisburg. Thank you for remembering him, and all those who fought in the two World Wars, in your prayers.
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