My daughter was mocked for standing alone at the father-daughter dance — until a group of Marines walked into the gym.

Katie shrank against me, face buried in my sleeve.

“I wish he was here, Mom.”

“I know, sweetheart. I wish that every day,” I murmured, smoothing her hair. “But you’re doing so well, honey. He’d be so proud of you.”

“He gave his life defending this country.”

She peeked up at me, eyes watery. “Do you think he’d still want me to dance?”

“I think he’d want continue reading …