I went to Altoona today, a 45 minute drive, and to make the trip go a little faster, I listened to “Car Talk” on the radio. For some reason, I also tried to keep track of all the different stickers and magnets other folks had on their cars.
I saw a metal fish with the work JESUS inside, patriotic ribbons, three different sports team stickers, and a Proud Grandma bumper sticker. But the one thing that made an impression on me was a metal license plate in the rear window of a little blue car. All it said was:
RIP Pfc Jack Parks
It reminded me of a movie I recently watched, called Taking Chance. It was about a Marine who volunteered to escort the body of Pfc Chance Phelps home to Wyoming (I think). Chance was killed in Iraq in 2004.
It detailed everything that happened to his body from his death to his burial. It was powerful, and of course, a story of strength, courage, honor, and respect. I was proud of the Americans who came in contact with the pair, one living and one dead, as they crossed the country, beginning in Dover, Delaware.
So, today, when I saw the licence plate in the window, I thanked God for this young man. If I could have spoken to the driver, I would have asked for his story, and offered my appreciation for his service. Since that wasn’t possible, I offer this simple writing as a memorial to Pfc Jack Parks. May he rest in peace.
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