Thank a Veteran; Our Freedom Isn't Free

As I pondered my blog submission for the week of Memorial Day, I can’t tell you the number of thoughts I had writing this blog. My mind traveled from one idea to the next: what to say, what not to say, how to say it, whom to thank, and more. I decided to speak from my heart.

I don’t like war; it makes me sad, and it scares me, but it's a necessary evil. I believe most people don’t like the thought of war, but it happens. Our veterans fight for our freedoms: freedom of speech, relgious practices, the right to bear arms, our safety as One Nation Under God, and much more.

In my heart, I find it disheartening that many people take our freedom for granted. They weren't taught about or don't care to learn about past wars, or they’ve forgotten. Besides the bombing at Pearl Harbor and the attack on 9/11, as far as direct attacks on American soil, we’ve been blessed. Do most of us realize what servicemen and women put at stake when they choose to serve our country? The stress of leaving their families for months and even years. Many don’t come home. Many come home and are never the same. Whether it’s PTSD or injuries, their lives are changed.

Memories Throughout My Life and Encounters with Veterans

I was six months old when the Bay of Pigs invasion occurred, and as great as my memory is, I don’t remember the event. Besides learning about past wars in history classes, my first real memory of a war starting was the Gulf War. I was home alone, pregnant, and watching TV when the news announced the story. It was Steve’s bowling league night, and I was scared the world would end. But it didn’t. To this day, I remember the soldiers deployed, yet again, to fight for our freedom.

September 11, 2001, the next attack on American soil. Two planes hit The Twin Towers, ultimately exploding and crashing to the ground, the Pentagon was attacked by a plane, and another crashed in a field in Shanksvile, Pennsylvania. This day marked the deadliest terrorist attacks in human history; 2,977 innocent victims (I refuse to add in the number of evil terrorists killed).

Veterans come in all shapes, sizes, races, religions, and genders, and it wasn't long after 9/11 before brave men and women stepped forward, united together, to fight for American freedom.

I come from a long list of relatives who were veterans. My father served in the Korean War, Mom had three brothers who were Navy veterans. Uncle Chuck served in WWII and lost his hearing when an explosion occurred on the ship in the boiler room where he worked. Uncle Jack served in the Korean War, and Uncle Jim made a life-long commitment to the service. I remember when he came home on leave, thinking how handsome he was in his Navy uniform, and even at the young age of eight, I was proud.

Four of my brothers-in-law served in the armed forces, and one was lucky to escape the draft to Vietnam. From the Marines to the Air Force to the Coast Guard, from Vietnam to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, I thank them and am proud to call them family.

My brother-in-law Jim said, “I will always be proud and grateful for my time in the USAF. It helped me grow up and see what life outside Milford was all about.”

Veterans leave a war, but war never leaves a veteran. ~Unknown

Remember the show M*A*S*H? As mentioned, Dad served in the US Army during the Korean War, and my siblings and I were forbidden to watch the show. At the time, I didn’t understand why, and it wasn’t a big deal. I never watched M*A*S*H until I was married, and after watching, I understand why we weren't allowed to watch it while we were growing up, and I respect how my dad and other veterans who served in any war wouldn't want to watch and relive time spent in combat. On that note, I do enjoy watching M*A*S*H. (Sorry Dad!) M*A*S*H shows war’s nitty-gritty effects on veterans, their families, and the innocent people trying to survive, but it also focuses on humor and sarcasm and portrays how veterans cope with the mental stress of serving.

It's Okay to Thank Veterans - Don't be Embarrased

I was raised to show respect to and be grateful for those who work to keep us safe, whether they are servicemen and women, police officers, or firefighters. Whenever I see a veteran or public service person, whether I’m at a restaurant or out in public, I’ll go up and thank them for their service. I usually receive a nod, a smile, or a comment of “I appreciate it.” When I do approach veterans or others who serve, I’ve also noticed when I'm with certain friends or family they're often very uncomfortable and don’t understand why I go out of my way to express my gratitude. People often ask me why I do it, and honestly, it baffles me. It makes me wonder if they take our freedom for granted. Our freedom isn't free!

Celebrating Veterans

Have you ever participated in an Honor Run? It usually occurs on Sunday during the week of Veterans Day. A few years ago, I participated in the Honor Run Half Marathon. It was a beautiful Sunday morning and an emotional yet wonderful day. Veterans were handing out water to participants, people were running while carrying the American flag, and some were running while wearing full uniform gear. I remember tears running down my face as I thought of the sacrifices they give.

St. Elizabeth Hospital sponsors the Honor Run in our area. All proceeds go to support the Honor Flight Tri State, transporting US military veterans to Washington, DC, spending the day to see the memorials of the wars they fought.

Rosie, my wonderful friend, had the honor of "guardian" for her dad’s Honor Flight. Her father, Gus, was a Marine and had the opportunity to participate. Rosie said it was the most amazing day for her. “The respect and admiration shown for the veterans on the trip were SO NEAT, SO SPECIAL!” Her dad said, “It was the sixth best day of my life. The first was when I married your mom, then the births of my four children, then this Honor Flight.” When I asked Rosie if I could write something about their experience on the Honor Flight, she said she was honored, and her father was beaming in heaven!

We are free because of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep America free. No system is perfect, and no one is perfect, but if no one cared enough to serve and keep us safe, where would we be? Thank a veteran. It’ll warm your heart.

American Freedom is defined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I invite you to listen to a few songs written about and for veterans and their families.

I'm Already There by Lonestar, A Soldier's Tribute

God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood

Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning by Alan Jackson

Thank a veteran!