Mike Flynn on the Day his Old Man First Felt Old

It was upon leaving Iwo Jima.

We asked him once when was the first time he felt old. He said it was on his 20th birthday, when he boarded a troopship to leave the island.

A while back Sèan told him there were now tour groups for veterans to return to the island. Sèan said he would pay for it. I’ll have to think about it, said Pere.  What’s to think about? asked Sèan. It’s a free trip.

The last time I got a free trip to Iwo Jima, Pere answered, people started shooting at me.

Thanks to Old Man Flynn and to all our troops! We owe you a debt we can never repay. Let our poor gratitude count for what we can’t do further.