Thomas M. Flanagan

For my Papa:
Though you were a decorated war hero you were simply our PAPA.

Thank you for always pretending to be mad about eating your "papa cookies". And for the way you pulled at the strands of hair to argue that you were not as bald as I teased.

And, of course, for making me and everyone else feel like we were the favorite and the most loved/blessed in your whole world, it meant everything.

I owe you my faith and good heart, but above all, I owe you my ability to...

Mr. Flanagan,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the U.S. Army in Europe during WW II as a member of the 26th Infantry Division which saw extensive combat from October of 1944 through to VE Day. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Do not stand by my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awake in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight
I am the soft moon at night
do not at my grave and cry
I am not there I did not die

Crossing the Bar

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may...