I REMEMBER YOU (NOW AND ALWAYS)

Just in case you couldn't find this older post I mentioned for Memorial Day - I decided to reprint it.


I got an early start to run errands, jumped into my car, started it up and the radio came on playing a medley of the U.S. Military Anthems. I fought back tears. Not tears of sadness but of pride.

As I drove I thought about my Dad, who joined the Army at age 15, not really old enough to serve in WWI, but he lied. He wanted to help protect his country. He was discharged soon after, when his age was discovered. He tried, but couldn't go. However, my uncle went. He came home missing body parts ( stepped on a mine), but he survived and was proud that he fought.

I was 5 when my brother came home from WWII. We lived in the city. I was roller skating on the sidewalk in front of our house, when he strutted down the street carrying his duffle bag and smiling. He dropped his bag and scooped me up to sit on his shoulders. That was the first time I'd ever seen him, but I knew him from his pictures - Captain of the Forward Guns on a battleship. I was the happiest kid in the neighborhood. That day I fell in love with Navy Blue.

Not too long ago, I said goodbye to both of my sons as they went off to bootcamp. The elder stayed in the Navy long enough to serve in the Gulf War. Of course, I didn't even know he was there until he returned home! Now, his daughter is married to a soldier serving in Iraq.

Have you heard the latest statistics. One of every four "street people" are veterans. Need I say more. What can we do to make a happier world for our vets? As you remember your family members and friends who fought for our freedom and protection, do something kind for a vet.

No suggestions, just what your heart tells you.

Any time you see a vet, wearing their military pride either on their cap or jacket, shake their hand and say THANK YOU. They deserve it.

(The current military will recognize the new way of saying "MY HEART FELT THANK YOU" = place your hand on your heart, then bring it down to waist level [palm up] and move it slightly forward)