
My father, Rabbi Chaplain Abraham Avrech passed away on March 15, 2014. This is the second Veteran’s Day without my father’s physical presence in this world.
He is gone, but like all veteran’s certainly not forgotten.
Take a moment to ponder the enormous sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes and their families.
Millions and millions of people all over the world are forever in their debt.
Keep in mind that the U.S.military has freed more people on this earth from tyranny and evil than any other force. Certainly, American servicemen have done more for the cause of freedom and democracy than any so-called peace movement.
Whenever I see the brain-dead bumper sticker, “War is not the Answer,” I cringe, for war is frequently the only answer, the only moral response to evil.
Because if the forces of good do not defeat evil, evil prevails.












G-d bless my father and all our veterans, living and dead.
G-d bless the United States of America.
Three years working in a VA hospital taught me that no one who served came back unchanged. We can never repay them. I wish we did a better job at trying.
Our pipe band played at a local school on Tuesday, leading a group of veterans and active duty soldiers through the halls packed with flag-waving children, teachers, and staff. It was an honor to do so.
G-d be with our veterans and all those who volunteer to keep us, and our country, safe.
My father died a month ago – and he never talked about his Army service – well, very little. Never could understand why he wouldn’t take me camping until after he died and my mother mentioned some of his letters from Korea and saying how miserably cold it was in his tent.
I was born a month premature and my mother is convinced it is because she was so upset at his being recalled (he was a WW2 vet) to Korea – had to report to Ft Lewis but saw me a day before he had to leave. (or maybe I arrived so he could see me?)
I learned via my mother and his letters, that they were recalling so many WW2 vets – one guy in my father’s unit had his trigger finger shot off in WW2 but the Army called him back anyway.
That is how chaotic it was.
Never thought my father cared much about talking about the Army until we went into his safe deposit box and found a certificate – from Ft Benning, of his graduation from the Parachute School in 1943. Guess in his private heart he was still an old soldier.
I have framed it along with an 82nd Airborne patch and tab.
Wouldn’t surprise me Robert if my father crossed paths with your father in Korea.
We buried him out at a National Cemetery per his wishes.
Bill:
Our condolences on your father’s passing. May his memory be a blessing.
You know my thoughts Mr. Avrech. His service paid for the citizenship of many. I know you miss him. respectfully, Alemaster
Alemaster:
Thanks so much for the kind words.
Robert,
I always love this post and the pictures. I especially like the one of your Dad, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother in Poland. I especially love the two guys in the background and most certainly the one with the hat!
What a berachah, in many ways, to have grown up in such a home. I’m sure you miss him terribly.
covvie:
I miss my father and my mother. Thanks so much.
Thank you for your service to our Nation and to our service men and women, Rabbi Abraham Avrech zt’l
(Robert, I hope I’m using the Hebrew terminology correctly here. If not, please accept my sincerest apology…)
Prophetjoe:
Your usage of Hebrew is correct. Thanks so much.