At the close of ten days with my friend, Jack Port (D-Day Veteran) and his grandson, Keaton, there are so many emotional stories. But, one looms large. It is the story of a ten-year-old boy named Cal.
On the afternoon of June 3rd, the Director of the American Normandy Cemetery, Dwight Anderson, gave us a fascinating and heartfelt tour of that glorious place.
At about 5:00 we were finishing when we met a young family that was also touring the cemetery and were introduced to their son Cal. He is a cancer patient and the Make A Wish Foundation had sponsored the trip. Cal’s parents explained that although it has been a difficult journey, he is now doing fine.
Cal is an American Hero. Wearing his 101st Airborne (Screaming Eagles) cap and the world’s biggest grin, he was living his dream. His wish was not to go to Disneyland or a major league baseball game, but rather to be in Normandy on D-Day!
Jack and Cal immediately bonded. Jack called him, “Cal my pal.” At 5:30 the ceremony to lower the flag began. After “Old Glory” was unclipped from the rope Jack and Cal folded the flag together and then stood side by side as “Taps” were played.
