Events happen in our lives which many wish we could go back in time and prevent. These events though rough, made us better people today. I normally don't post or write stories like this one. It's time to share more of my personal life and emotions. My hope is that you enjoy this true story.
There are moments in our lives that will forever change us. Decisions or events that etch a permanent place in our minds. Events like the day JFK was shot, 9/11, and deaths of loved ones. The most recent for many were the events on 9/11. A tragic day in our countries history where we came together as one nation. There was definitely a lot of working together as one nation under god. Many people prayed and looked for friends, co-workers and loved ones in the debris. It was a sad time in our Nations history.
There are times of grieving in our Nations history and it seems to always bring us closer together in my opinion. Sharing those difficult times is important for personal growth. My dad shared a story with me that I wanted to share. Recently in North Texas the current POTUS paid a visit. There is an airport about 5 miles from our house and that is the location where he landed. It was very exciting to see the military helicopters and military cargo plans at the airport before and after he landed. He was in the area to speak to the Choctaw nation. I am not sure what it was really all about, I was not that interested. The preparation for a POTUS visit is large, very detailed and costly. That is one of the prices we pay for living in a free country. One that I see as a justified for many reasons.
There have been other Presidents to visit this area. In the early 60's John F Kennedy visited for the funeral of Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn. Speaker Rayburn is famous for being the longest serving Speaker of the House. He was from Bohnam, Texas. A very nice rural community in this area. There is a very interesting museum and historical places that anyone should visit when in the area. Sam Rayburn had a huge influence in our history, good or bad he did a lot while in D.C..
In order to prepare for this visit there had to be many preparations. One was to ensure there were direct phone lines to Washington D.C. 25 or so lines had to be set up for this visit of President Kennedy. It took a decent size crew of people from the phone company day and night to make this happen. Dad and some of his good friends were on the crew that set up these lines and ensured they worked properly. He said it was a lot of long hours over a short period of time.
He then mentioned that they set up standard lines and also the red phone set up for the President's visit. When the day of the funeral finally arrived the work had been completed. Many great men and women sacrificed their time to ensure the job was done and done correctly. My dad casually mentions that he stood within 2 feet of the President John F Kennedy. Arguably one of the most popular Presidents that had a huge impact on our lives. Dad was holding one of the phones. He was holding the standard phone closest to the President during the funeral at the grave. Another gentleman held the red phone. Both within arms reach of the most powerful man in the country.
I have lived now 40 years on this earth. I have known a lot about my family and history. My father worked proudly for the telephone company for over 30 years. At no point do I ever recall this story. Although I know the story is true, it amazes me every day what a blessing our loved ones are and how they impact our daily lives. My father has never been a man to brag or speak a lot of his accomplishments. He comes from a time when your hard work showed your successes. He is from an era when the harder you worked, the more successful you were in life. It's odd, it seems that is still the case now.
This is one of those stories that I could not wait to share. There are many aspects to this story that are appealing. The first is that it's about family. The second is it shows what the blue collar workers behind the scenes do in everyday life. We tend to take for granted that there are many jobs out there that people love to do. My dad loved to work for the phone company. It was a great career for him. He is a smart man and even worked up to a supervisor. He put in 30 years with one company. This is what our Country was founded on and continues to thrive on today.
This story also appeals to me as it takes you back to a time when people cared about their jobs. It is a time when people did not think twice about stepping up and making a plan come together. I currently work in the manufacturing industry. So when the guys come in from the plant and it's 100 degrees outside, and much hotter in the plant. If they want to sit and chat in my office for a bit, I allow them too. I also try to make them laugh or enjoy their relaxing minute or two.
There are some great men that have built this country. I will never begrudge or speak ill of the men who made billions of dollars in oil, steel, and the railroad industries. It is because of people like these men that allowed men like my dad to work for a great company that had tremendous benefits. It allowed for my mom to work in the banking industry for many years. Neither of my parents had a college education. They have always been some of the smartest people I have ever met. They are also some of my most important hero's.
Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly. ~ John F. Kennedy
There are moments in our lives that will forever change us. Decisions or events that etch a permanent place in our minds. Events like the day JFK was shot, 9/11, and deaths of loved ones. The most recent for many were the events on 9/11. A tragic day in our countries history where we came together as one nation. There was definitely a lot of working together as one nation under god. Many people prayed and looked for friends, co-workers and loved ones in the debris. It was a sad time in our Nations history.
There are times of grieving in our Nations history and it seems to always bring us closer together in my opinion. Sharing those difficult times is important for personal growth. My dad shared a story with me that I wanted to share. Recently in North Texas the current POTUS paid a visit. There is an airport about 5 miles from our house and that is the location where he landed. It was very exciting to see the military helicopters and military cargo plans at the airport before and after he landed. He was in the area to speak to the Choctaw nation. I am not sure what it was really all about, I was not that interested. The preparation for a POTUS visit is large, very detailed and costly. That is one of the prices we pay for living in a free country. One that I see as a justified for many reasons.
There have been other Presidents to visit this area. In the early 60's John F Kennedy visited for the funeral of Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn. Speaker Rayburn is famous for being the longest serving Speaker of the House. He was from Bohnam, Texas. A very nice rural community in this area. There is a very interesting museum and historical places that anyone should visit when in the area. Sam Rayburn had a huge influence in our history, good or bad he did a lot while in D.C..
In order to prepare for this visit there had to be many preparations. One was to ensure there were direct phone lines to Washington D.C. 25 or so lines had to be set up for this visit of President Kennedy. It took a decent size crew of people from the phone company day and night to make this happen. Dad and some of his good friends were on the crew that set up these lines and ensured they worked properly. He said it was a lot of long hours over a short period of time.
He then mentioned that they set up standard lines and also the red phone set up for the President's visit. When the day of the funeral finally arrived the work had been completed. Many great men and women sacrificed their time to ensure the job was done and done correctly. My dad casually mentions that he stood within 2 feet of the President John F Kennedy. Arguably one of the most popular Presidents that had a huge impact on our lives. Dad was holding one of the phones. He was holding the standard phone closest to the President during the funeral at the grave. Another gentleman held the red phone. Both within arms reach of the most powerful man in the country.
I have lived now 40 years on this earth. I have known a lot about my family and history. My father worked proudly for the telephone company for over 30 years. At no point do I ever recall this story. Although I know the story is true, it amazes me every day what a blessing our loved ones are and how they impact our daily lives. My father has never been a man to brag or speak a lot of his accomplishments. He comes from a time when your hard work showed your successes. He is from an era when the harder you worked, the more successful you were in life. It's odd, it seems that is still the case now.
This is one of those stories that I could not wait to share. There are many aspects to this story that are appealing. The first is that it's about family. The second is it shows what the blue collar workers behind the scenes do in everyday life. We tend to take for granted that there are many jobs out there that people love to do. My dad loved to work for the phone company. It was a great career for him. He is a smart man and even worked up to a supervisor. He put in 30 years with one company. This is what our Country was founded on and continues to thrive on today.
This story also appeals to me as it takes you back to a time when people cared about their jobs. It is a time when people did not think twice about stepping up and making a plan come together. I currently work in the manufacturing industry. So when the guys come in from the plant and it's 100 degrees outside, and much hotter in the plant. If they want to sit and chat in my office for a bit, I allow them too. I also try to make them laugh or enjoy their relaxing minute or two.
There are some great men that have built this country. I will never begrudge or speak ill of the men who made billions of dollars in oil, steel, and the railroad industries. It is because of people like these men that allowed men like my dad to work for a great company that had tremendous benefits. It allowed for my mom to work in the banking industry for many years. Neither of my parents had a college education. They have always been some of the smartest people I have ever met. They are also some of my most important hero's.
Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly. ~ John F. Kennedy
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