On this fourth of July weekend, my thoughts turn to all the men and women who have sacrificed so much for this country and our way of life.
Growing up in a small town where everyone knew everyone, there is one person who will forever exemplify true sacrifice. Mike Bowen was this person.
Mike grew up right outside my hometown and went to my high school. He was two years ahead of me in school, and he was everyone’s hero. All of us girls swooned when he walked by. Mike was tall, handsome, quiet, and the quarterback of our football team. He loved his family, farming, football and one girl.
I shall never forget the day he came into Davis’ Jewelry to buy this girl an engagement ring. I was working there after school, and it was the most exciting day of my life to that point. He picked out the ring with care and love. All of us working in the store, wrapped it for him starting with the smallest box we could find and working up to the biggest one we had!
Mike married this girl, and they were looking forward to their life on his farm, but that was not to be. It was 1966, and Mike was drafted and sent to Viet Nam shortly after their wedding.
I shall always remember the day the dark sedan pulled into downtown and two men in uniforms emerged. They went into the salon where his wife worked which was two doors down from my grandmother’s shop. I watched in horror as they led Mike’s new bride weeping uncontrollably from the salon. Mike was only 20 years old when he was killed.
There are many names and faces we can substitute in this excerpt. As we celebrate freedom, let’s not ever forget all those who died so we can enjoy it!