My husband and I recently watched the 10-part series called “Band of Brothers”, a production about our American troops in Europe during World War II. I can attest that it is both educational and hard to watch. You and I have probably seen other war movies, but as we approach Memorial Day, this was a grim reminder of the cost of war and the price so many have paid.
I am married to a man who spent time in Viet Nam so he is all too familiar with that cost. Asked to define a veteran, his answer was concise and direct: “one who SERVED his country in the United States Military.” And, what service indeed!
Think of it: 18-19 year old kids – some of whom barely shaved – left the comforts of home to be shipped out to who knows where? A totally unfamiliar place on the other side of the world with orders to kill the enemy, people they didn’t even know. They had to risk their own lives while watching a buddy take a bullet and die before their very eyes, or be maimed for the rest of his life. This was all in the name of freedom and SERVING their country.
Our idea of sacrifice seems to be paying more at the pump or waiting a little longer for our new flooring to arrive. That’s the America today, many of whom have never been in the military.
Cemeteries are often visited on this special day to remember those who have gone before us. But, do you know any vets who are still here? Many who were in Viet Nam were literally snubbed when they came home due to all the anti-war sentiment. They still acknowledge each another with a “Welcome Home”, because of that. There are still a few WW II vets as well as those who were in Korea, not to mention Desert Storm and Afghanistan. When we think of a veteran, we should automatically think of the word sacrifice.
On this Memorial Day, ponder what they have done so we could be free, and then take time to show your appreciation.
“…therefore, encourage one another and build one another up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Amen! Thank you for your reminder! ❤️🙏🏻
My husband was one proud American. He was a Viet Nam Vet and he was only 18 when he first went there, I loved the day he put his Viet Nam vet ball cap on the dash board of his truck and so many people came up to him that day to say thank you for your service. He told me that was the first time he ever felt appreciated for going to war. He was humiliated and very touched. Although he never talked too much about his time over there (it was too painful) the “thank you’s” were so meaningful. So please never stop saying thank you for your service.
Thank you for these tender words as we head to Memorial Day. God bless all who SERVED their country.
Amen!
Home of the free, because of the brave.