United States residents, living in one of the most prosperous nations on Earth, owe a deep debt of gratitude (and more) to veterans of the Armed Forces. Without the sacrifices of so many men and women over the years, there would be no United States and no such prosperity.
One of the proudest moments of my life came when my oldest son willingly went to Iraq to serve this nation in the restructuring of that country. He and his comrades were stationed at Abu Ghraib, teaching the Iraqi Army how to guard its own prisoners ... a thankless, emotionally and physically taxing job.
Like all involved in any stage of a war, he paid a price. For some it's emotional distress, while others suffer physical damage and yet others pay the ultimate sacrifice.
Big picture, all of us need to thank a veteran for what we have and how we live. They're not war-mongers or thrill seekers by any stretch. They are patriotic and loyal citizens who deserve our respect and thanks -- and not just on Veterans Day.
So, my thanks to any and all veterans who read this at any time ... and thank you especially to my son, father, nephews, father-in-law and brother-in-law for their service.
Mark, you are so right. Thinking of Nathan today, and his cousins, Jeremy, Ryan & James. Of course, Nathan's uncle, Jon, and grandparents, etc., etc.
ReplyDeleteI have had some interesting talks with Vets as I make my Home Health & Hospice rounds. One fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He is now in heaven. During a recent visit with another patient, her husband was sharing about his days shooting at and capturing German soldiers. He talked of children being handed guns from the Germans as they took cover - and one child who tried to fire the weapon. This man is still carrying shrapnel that barely missed his spinal column. According to his wife, he still has nightmares and 4th of July is not something he enjoys - due to the sound of fireworks. Another patient stayed home, because his two older brothers were at war and someone had to run the farm.
The thing these three had in common, is that none of them told their stories or talked about the war for many years. It was a burden they shouldered alone.
When I look at the photos of the MMA students - or think about the platoons of soldiers graduating from training with James - I see young men and women, who will all too soon have their own stories to tell. As a mother of a soldier, I shed some tears - and pray with renewed vigor - and proudly wave the flag in their honor. Today and always.
Thanks for your post.