07/05/2024
Proud to be in Oklahoma and love hearing stories like this god bless to you all
Connie Beesley heard me on the news this morning saying I’d be at Edmond’s Liberty Fest parade. Attending is a tradition for our family. Little did I know who I’d see driving his wheelchair in the parade. The man himself, Eddie Beesley US MARINE. Connie his wife had told him I’d be there and he actually came up to me and my family on the sidewalk. I was able to take a picture with him. He was able to meet Troy, and my husband. I was just stunned, because he couldn’t have known how much of an honor this was for me.
You see I had actually met Mr. & Mrs. Beesley back in December. They also attended the funeral for Private First Class Taylor in Carnegie. Taylor was laid to rest on Dec 7, 2023 82 years after his death in the USS Oklahoma.
I took Brooklyn to that funeral to explain what love of country looks like. To make sure she understands who all have come before her. To explain what a true hero is, and to show her how to pay her respects to those heros. Connie and Eddie were so incredibly kind and gracious. At 4 years old, they helped my daughter understand what sacrifice is. Eddie showed her what a true patriot looks like and how they behave. After losing his legs for us, he isn’t bitter. He is graceful, and kind, the most joyful person I’ve ever met. The true definition of inspiring.
Today we got to see him again, and once again enjoy his firm handshake and say thank you!
So many have given so much, so that we can enjoy this day! Hope you get to feel the same sense of American pride that I did in this moment.
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