If you are enjoying your freedoms today, thank a Veteran. I'd like to publically (as "public" as this blog is - so to all 3 followers! Hahaha!) thank my dad for his service as an Army Captain in Vietnam. I'd also like to remember my mom as she was left for a year with three kids to raise and a 4th on the way (born the year my dad was gone). I appreciate the sacrifices they made to serve our country - especially in an "unpopular" war. I also want to remember my oldest brother. He joined the Navy after completing his medical training as a surgeon, and although he never left the States, he still served in our military and I'm proud of him.
I'd like to say thank you to my father-in-law for his service in the Navy during Vietnam. My father-in-law immigrated from Holland with his family (6 siblings and his parents) in 1955 when he was 10 years old. Although he spoke no English, he attended an English-only school from the time they arrived. At the dinner table the school-age kids were only allowed to speak English so their parents (Peter's grandparents) could learn English. When my father-in-law graduated from high school, he, like his brothers and a brother-in-law, inlisted in the military. I'm thankful for their service to our country and to my mother-in-law, a newly-wed, who said good-bye to her new husband as he shipped out.
Today, as we remember those who have served our country, may we remember to pray for those who are currently in the line of duty overseas, and for the families of those who lost their lives at Fort Hood last week.
Thank you Veterans for keeping us safe, for protecting our rights and freedoms, and for your sacrifices.
We will not forget...
11.11.2009
Thank a Veteran
C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." Dream BIG. After going "there and back again," The Hubs & I have created a home that is full of books, stimulating conversation, and the laughter of our five kids. We have been the recipients of Amazing Grace, and our life goals can be summed up in four words: Love God, love people.
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Thank you, Carrie. We try to encourage our kids to thank our troops anytime they might see them about town. My grandpa was a bomber pilot in WWII, a POW, and an escapee. So brave. And my other grandpa had just enlisted in the Navy and was about to be sent to Europe when the whole thing ended. I still consider him so brave, going when he knew it was such a bad situation. I had an uncle in Vietnam who came back and struggled with severe PTSD for years, and my brother-in-law was a Marine and we have numerous friends who have served, or who are serving. If I have any complaint about Veterans' Day it is that it isn't somehow bigger. These men and women deserve so much more than they are getting.
ReplyDeleteCarrie: I remember when your dad left for Vietnam. We all went to the Tulsa airport to see him off and I remember all the cousins (Charlotte, David and Scott) being upset and not really understanding at the time, since I've always thought it an exciting thing to travel by plane. And then, the joy when he came back! Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Your cousin Vicki
PS: Love your bookshelf!
Thank you Carrie for this post! And I'm so thankful for your Dad and those who served in Vietnam. When he was in, the troops were ignored at best, and maligned, spit upon, and even referred to as dogs by pop culture, the media, and many Americans. The Vietnam Era soldiers never received a parade or photo ops with the president, their health issues were covered up, and their valor, ridiculed rather than praised. That was a dark time for all military.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first went in the Navy in 1975, I was a bit afraid to be seen in uniform outside of the base, even though I felt proud to serve. How things improved since then--thanks to Reagan, conservatism, and all the veteran's organizations who lobbied Congress incessantly for all servicemembers!
Please give my thanks to your father for serving during such a difficult time, abroad and at home.
In Him, Linda