Veteran's Day

  

11-11-11- Veteran’s Day
   At 11am November 11th , 2011 the ceremony in honor of those who served and those who gave their lives in service of our country will begin in Washington DC.

   War has touched all our lives. Not that I have been in combat or my immediate family. But through the years, we’ve sent care packages and cards to friends and family while they were over seas.
   When I was in about 8th grade President Nixon promised to bring the troops home from Viet-Nam. Our neighbor and a cousin were there. We couldn‘t wait to see them home again, safe & sound. We heard some of the stories about living in a swamp, keeping rats off their bunks, and being so tired…
   I stayed with my cousin one weekend and woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of screaming and things being thrown against the wall. It was Tim, he was having night-mare of being on the battle field and once again couldn’t stop the bullets from hitting his friends.
   I lived in an apartment house for a short while (being young and stupid) where I was told the pictures in odd places around the room were to cover up the bullet holes. They did take away all guns and sharp objects, but I really never slept well after that…
    My father-in-law served in World War ll. Part of that time was spent in a prison camp. He survived, but chose not to tell much details of his fight to stay alive.
    I’m so glad we are showing appreciation to these people who have lived through horrific circumstances.  I see nothing romantic or exciting about war, but at the same time I’m amazed at those who feel the strong need to defend us with their whole life.
   Look around, see how you can help. Whether a true picture of bravery, or a draftee just barely able to clean a gun - we owe our lives to them and their sacrifice.
     May God bless the troops!