Thank You Veterans

I would like to take a moment to thank all of the men and women who have served our country. My Dad enlisted in the Army during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I know that he lost many friends and had bad memories that he kept in the back of his mind. Dad never wanted to talk about his experiences, but I wish I had more discussions on everything with him, including his war stories. Dad passed many years ago and I miss him dearly.

Dad always brought me to special veterans’ ceremonies at our church’s cemetery. There was a gun salute to the fallen soldiers who rested there. We held flags and put our hands over our hearts and I remember feeling goosebumps as they played taps. At that moment, Dad was not just my father, he was my hero. These annual services my Dad and I shared between us and it meant the world to me to have this precious time with him. After the ceremony, Dad and I went to the local diner for breakfast. What special memories we made.

When I brought my would-be-husband home for the first time to meet my parents, I was a bit nervous how things would go. You see, I grew up in the country and Ken was a city boy. I was not so sure how my Dad would respond to him. One of the first things that Ken talked about was his Army service, something about the day he went in and the day he was released. And then they talked shop: company and battalion. Yea, they were pals. My Mom and I went in the kitchen and left the two service men to reminisce. I was proud of both of my guys, my heros.

Years later, when I was a mom. I was glad that our boys did not have to go into the service. I would have supported them if they chose to enter the military, but I was happy that they did not get drafted during wartime. My heart goes out to the many parents who have sons and daughters who are protecting our country. Their courage is immeasurable.

As we go about your day, take a moment amid the store sales for Veteran’s Day to remember the real meaning of the day. Thank you to all of those who have served, are serving and will serve.

God Bless You.