My ill Dad and receiving a WWII veterans medal

[ppkheat]

My Dad is 88 years old and he recently got a letter inviting him to a function to receive the Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal. The medal has been authorized by the Louisiana legislature to honor WWII veterans and others, Gov Jindal will be there and speaking also.

My father was really looking forward to it, we've made all the plans and arrangements to get him there comfortably, etc. However, yesterday he was admitted to the hospital for dehydration, urinary tract infection, etc. Normally not seriously life threatening stuff but definitely risky for 88 year olds. I'm confident he's going to get out of the hospital in about a 5-7 days, but he's going to miss the medal ceremony. His health comes first but we are all so disappointed he can't attend.

I'm trying to think how to handle this. Should I go and accept it on his behalf? Should I have it mailed to him? I was hoping some of you military guys might have an idea.

Here is the best idea that I can come up with: We attend the function, I could actually carry his WWII uniform jacket, and I pick up the medal on his behalf (not a pinning ceremony), I could video tape it for him to watch later, also maybe I could get one of the dignitaries to stop by the hospital and actually give it to him at a later date.

I'm sure with the Governor's busy schedule he would be very limited in trying to extend his short stay here to accommodate my father.

Is my idea okay or can you think of something else?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[JAT40]

Prayers for a speedy recovery for your Dad, sounds like a great American.
Standing in for him as his son would be a honor, I like your idea.
Try calling the Gov's office they may bite on the photo opp. in the hospital.

[Black Knight]

I'm with JAT40 call the Gov's office, from what I have seen of him on TV he seems to be a level headed and respectful person. He should go for it. If for some reason his schedule doesn't work attend the function and accept the award in your father's place. If allowed to say anything say how proud you are for your father and what he helped accomplish. You should videotape it and show it to him. Show him how proud you are and that it was an honor to stand for him. Thank him for me for his service and standing for those who couldn't stand for themselves and for future generations. BTW my father was a WWII vet as well. He passed in 2002.

[Rock and Glock]

also maybe I could get one of the dignitaries to stop by the hospital

That would be very neat!

[QKShooter]

You are his Son. I would accept it for him.

Many years ago we managed to get some of the WWII medals due to my Father-In-Law.

He was a fairly modest and selfless person and really did not even want them.

His reasoning was that he was fortunate enough to ultimately survive when so many others did not and "coming home to " was reward enough for him.

But, my M-In-Law wanted them. So we managed to get some...some others we were unable to get.

So why am I posting this here?

In case anybody else wants to try...be aware of the fact that there was a huge fire where many of the WWII records were housed/stored. They were never transferred over onto computer files and so are gone forever.

And especially some medals that were earned later on in the war will be impossible to get.

Posted just FYI in case it helps some members who are thinking about trying.

[aznav]

Prayers for a speedy recovery for your Dad, sounds like a great American.
Standing in for him as his son would be a honor, I like your idea.
Try calling the Gov's office they may bite on the photo opp. in the hospital.

+1!

[BamaSteve]

I agree with calling the gov's office. After the service your father has provided, they could do at least that much. Hope recovery is well!

[retsupt99]

Be a faithful son and stand in for him...present it back to him with the help of your local VFW reps...

[ppkheat]

Thanks for the ideas and support, and BTW I just got back from the hospital and only after 24 hrs of antibiotic IV he's doing quite a bit better. FWIW I had a doctor tell me that urinary tract infections will adversely affect the mental condition of senior citizens. Thankfully they get back to normal once the infection is gone. My Dad was thinking pretty sharp today too, when I walked in the room he asked me did I go to the ceremony.

I did go to the ceremony and stood in for my father, brought his uniform jacket and attached the medal to it. I gave the announcer a note that my Dad was hospitalized and I was receiving it on his behalf. Also had a few seconds with Gov Jindal and our picture made together, with me holding the uniform jacket. He thanked me for my families service.....nice guy and down-to-earth.

I was proud to be there for him, but I'd carried him there on my back if it would have helped him be there personally. Medal aside his health is more important and that's what counts.

Thanks fellas.

[JamesW51]

Have to say you did a great Honor for your Dad ....Please tell him Thank You for keeping us Safe & Sound!!

Hoping for a speedy recovery..

[AllAmerican]

Prayers for a speedy recovery for your Dad, sounds like a great American.
Standing in for him as his son would be a honor, I like your idea.
Try calling the Gov's office they may bite on the photo opp. in the hospital.

Agreed!

[Paco]

That sounds like a plan to me. I would also write the Gov., and CC his handlers, and ask him if it would be possible for him to make the presentation to your Dad in his hospital room/home or a VFW closer to home than where the actual ceremony is.

Congrats to your Dad and many thanks for his service.

[dukalmighty]

Glad your Dads doing better ,Ihad a UTI once and I thought I was gonna die.There isn't anything I wouldn't have done for my dad when he was alive.The medals our country gives is a small token of our gratitude for sacrifices our Men and Women make everyday to keep us safe

[falcon1]

Have to say you did a great Honor for your Dad ....Please tell him Thank You for keeping us Safe & Sound!!

Hoping for a speedy recovery..

+1. Prayers sent.

[grady]

What an honor. I'm glad you accepted for your Dad.

I hope he has a speedy recovery.