“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.” — Thucydides
This is the day we stop, take a deep breath and acknowledge all those who have sacrificed in untold ways so we might enjoy the freedoms they purchased by their blood. Some gave up everything…totally and completely… everything. Some sacrificed life, as they knew it, willing to answer the call, knowing the dangers they faced, but putting those fears aside to serve and preserve our great nation and our freedoms. They paid a debt we can never repay. We must pledge to remember, and pledge to thank them.
While soldiers, including my husband were sacrificing in Viet Nam giving up their own freedoms others used that freedom to protest. Returning from war, they were mistreated and called degrading and hurtful names.
I stood on the sloping hills of Arlington Cemetery overwhelmed at the collective number of those who paid the price for my freedom, for the freedom of my children, and for your freedom. I stood at the Viet Nam wall in solemn silence looking at the names of all those who sacrificed everything.
I was in an airport in Maine when off to my right I suddenly heard a group of people yelling and clapping. As I watched, I noticed a line of returning soldiers. I froze. I watched. I cried. I became overwhelmed with thankfulness and grateful beyond words that these returning men and women were receiving what some, including my husband never received, a welcome home! No matter where I am, I make a point to tell every soldier I meet, “Thank you for your service.”
These brave men and women are willing to leave their families, sacrifice sacred time, missing birthdays and special occasions, tucking children in bed at night, well aware they may not return, and knowing if they do…they will be different, unaware of how different.
My husband is my hero. He served two tours in Viet Nam wounded by friendly fire days prior to coming home and returning 100% disabled. However, he refused to give into the physical wounds of the war, nor to the hidden wounds of his spirit. He truly is a hero. I tried to place myself in the shoes of his mother as she received a telegram explaining her son’s wounds, not knowing whether he would live or die, dependent on the Army to keep her informed. As a counselor, I get the privilege of helping veterans work through their pain and grief as my 36 years of marriage gives me firsthand knowledge of some of their struggles.
Today is the day that we all can collectively pause and appreciate the freedoms we have because these brave men and women were and are willing to pay the ultimate price. Make sure you take time to reflect on the sacrifices given for your freedoms…thank a Veteran and pray.
I stood on the sloping hills of Arlington Cemetery overwhelmed at the collective number of those who paid the price for my freedom, for the freedom of my children, and for your freedom. I stood at the Viet Nam wall in solemn silence looking at the names of all those who sacrificed everything.
I was in an airport in Maine when off to my right I suddenly heard a group of people yelling and clapping. As I watched, I noticed a line of returning soldiers. I froze. I watched. I cried. I became overwhelmed with thankfulness and grateful beyond words that these returning men and women were receiving what some, including my husband never received, a welcome home! No matter where I am, I make a point to tell every soldier I meet, “Thank you for your service.”
These brave men and women are willing to leave their families, sacrifice sacred time, missing birthdays and special occasions, tucking children in bed at night, well aware they may not return, and knowing if they do…they will be different, unaware of how different.
My husband is my hero. He served two tours in Viet Nam wounded by friendly fire days prior to coming home and returning 100% disabled. However, he refused to give into the physical wounds of the war, nor to the hidden wounds of his spirit. He truly is a hero. I tried to place myself in the shoes of his mother as she received a telegram explaining her son’s wounds, not knowing whether he would live or die, dependent on the Army to keep her informed. As a counselor, I get the privilege of helping veterans work through their pain and grief as my 36 years of marriage gives me firsthand knowledge of some of their struggles.
Today is the day that we all can collectively pause and appreciate the freedoms we have because these brave men and women were and are willing to pay the ultimate price. Make sure you take time to reflect on the sacrifices given for your freedoms…thank a Veteran and pray.
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