I just wanted to leave a quick note of thanks for all of those who are or have been in the military. Memorial Day was always a day of remembrance for me and my family growing up, and I am profoundly grateful to have grown up with such gratitude and an understanding of the sacrifices that a military man or woman makes - not to mention the sacrifices of their families.
My mom is a retired SSgt in the Air Force Reserves and served stateside during Desert Storm and the Gulf War. My stepfather is a retired CMSgt in the Air Force Reserves and also served in the Gulf War (And I'm pretty sure he served in Desert Storm as well) but he retired first from the Army - I'm not sure of his rank in the Army. My mom's and my stepfather's family histories are both steeped with rich military connections.
While my husband is not in the military, he, too, is very patriotic and is easily offended when someone does not respect the country that we love - or the flag that represents it. We are raising our son (and eventually our daughter) to have the utmost respect as well. It is so important that we do that in this particular day and age. I have seen so many young people talking during the national anthem or wearing a hat when we salute the flag and it is infuriating - but I don't think they are usually doing it out of spite. I think usually it is because they haven't been taught better - it starts with us. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and potential role models of all kinds. My husband and I have gently and politely asked a young person to remove his hat or to quit talking and are usually not barraged with profanities - in fact, as long as we try to not draw unnecessary attention to what is going on, we usually are surprised to see that a show of drama is avoided and they will do as we ask. (Not always - and if you are in a position that does not seem that it would go so smoothly, please do not put yourself in danger. These are scary times, my friend, and I am sure you don't need me to remind you.)
It is so often the little things that are neglected and we can do small things to show our appreciation for this country and all who have fought for it and died. Not to mention those who are still fighting for us. We are blessed - and while I often struggle with the direction our nation seems to be heading, to forget all those who made it a free nation...past and present and undoubtedly in the future...would just simply be wrong.
To them I say, thank you.
Happy Memorial Day.
My mom is a retired SSgt in the Air Force Reserves and served stateside during Desert Storm and the Gulf War. My stepfather is a retired CMSgt in the Air Force Reserves and also served in the Gulf War (And I'm pretty sure he served in Desert Storm as well) but he retired first from the Army - I'm not sure of his rank in the Army. My mom's and my stepfather's family histories are both steeped with rich military connections.
While my husband is not in the military, he, too, is very patriotic and is easily offended when someone does not respect the country that we love - or the flag that represents it. We are raising our son (and eventually our daughter) to have the utmost respect as well. It is so important that we do that in this particular day and age. I have seen so many young people talking during the national anthem or wearing a hat when we salute the flag and it is infuriating - but I don't think they are usually doing it out of spite. I think usually it is because they haven't been taught better - it starts with us. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and potential role models of all kinds. My husband and I have gently and politely asked a young person to remove his hat or to quit talking and are usually not barraged with profanities - in fact, as long as we try to not draw unnecessary attention to what is going on, we usually are surprised to see that a show of drama is avoided and they will do as we ask. (Not always - and if you are in a position that does not seem that it would go so smoothly, please do not put yourself in danger. These are scary times, my friend, and I am sure you don't need me to remind you.)
It is so often the little things that are neglected and we can do small things to show our appreciation for this country and all who have fought for it and died. Not to mention those who are still fighting for us. We are blessed - and while I often struggle with the direction our nation seems to be heading, to forget all those who made it a free nation...past and present and undoubtedly in the future...would just simply be wrong.
To them I say, thank you.
Happy Memorial Day.
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guess what book I am reading? yep, the Christian Athiest. I went back and got it earlier this week and I just LOVE IT !!!!! THanks for the recommendation. I am halfway through and just have really gotten so much out of it.