Although picnics with friends and family have been planned across our nation today,
it’s not really about the picnic…
Today is a day that was set aside to honor those who chose to sacrifice
their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Sadly in backyards, parks and homes across America,
family and friends will gather today and there will not be a single mention
of our nations heroes….
Men, women, families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving
their lives for the freedoms we so often take for granted.
As a military family, I implore you to talk with your kids, family and friends about
those who fought or currently defend our freedom.
Although often romanticized in the movies, war does take its toll.
One cannot be part of active combat and walk away unscathed.
Every area of life is affected.
To deny it, would be unjust and it would be pretending.
Can I be perfectly frank?
No matter how little it is mentioned: Each soldier’s life is never the same.
Holding a dying comrade is life-altering.
No amount of book-learning, movie-watching or story-hearing can prepare one for this.
Our hero-son has been on five deployments as a member of our nation’s Special Forc*s.
After one depl*yment, he literally landed, spent one night with his precious wife and boarded a plane the very next day to accompany a fallen friend’s casket to his hometown where he spent the week comforting the family of his friend.
Yet, most will picnic and party today, never even thinking of the sacrifices
that are made day in and day out by our military.
Not even cross most minds that there are people depl*yed around the world,
far from family and friends,
often with little ability to communicate.
Some can say: “Well they signed up for it.”
True enough.
But that ungrateful attitude is so penetrating to this military mom!
Being up close and personal: Because our son {and many sons and daughters and husbands and wives and brothers and sisters} love this country enough to lay down his/her life for yours and my freedom, it would really behoove each of us to stop and ponder what that really, really, truly means.
A few years back, I remember anticipating our son’s imminent arrival for a leave just before one of his depl*yments. We had not seen him in months as his days and nights are spent preparing with his unit for the life they live on their depl*yments. Suddenly though we got a phone call, something had happened somewhere in the world and he could not leave as his unit was on high alert and might have to depl*y immediately.
Our family was deeply affected.
To know that there are those in our nation that don’t appreciate the
daily sacrifices made by our military is a hard pill to swallow for this military mama.
And so today, would you stop for a moment and pray for our military?
Would you pray for their families?
Would you pray for God’s peace to flood hearts?
For His healing in their lives for the things they have seen?
To all who proudly serve or have served our great nation and to you who have children, spouses or extended family serving: May the God of all comfort and peace bless you abundantly, may He minister to you, may He protect you, may you know that our family stands with you appreciating each sacrifice you and your family have made.
Our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.
Agreed!! My sister just completed her last day of service to the AF last week and it is so great to have her home. However, there are many people she knows who didn't get the luxury of coming home alive. Memorial Day is not picnic or BBQ day, it is remember why we get to live the way we do day. We are free because of the brave.
Thank you for the reminder!
That was beautifully said!! Both my husband and I come from Military families, Dads, sisters, brothers, nephews, Son in-law. My husband will go out of his way no matter where we are to thank a soldier(Present or Past). We stand with you and pray for all of them, the ones we know personally and the ones we will never know, but are very grateful!
Your son and his family aswell as you all are never far from my thoughts and prayers. The little yellow bows are all around my home in fact in every room. As I type there is one tied to a vase by the computer and one behind the sink on the window sill opposite. They give me the visual reminder regularly and often ones that aren't so obvious will jump out at me!!!! Love, hugs and prayers to you all, from Becky in England.
Thank you! As the wife of a s@ilor, we live in a military community, yet Memorial Day is just a day off to party and drink. A small town near us has one of the last Memorial Day parades in our state, so sad. We go every year to salute those who have served and those who have given all. Let us never forget, that our freedom was bought with a price.
I rarely comment…maybe twice. But, this post made me sob while I stand in my kitchen licking a bowl of potato salad. It is so true! I am so patriotic on the inside; I love my country and our freedom. This year it means just a little more to me as my daughter is in basic training at this moment, with a future career in intelligence. My son leaves for basic in just 13 short days. Like your son, special forces is his route he hopes to take. I think often of the people on the local lake, partying, camping, having fun without truly realizing what this holiday is about; it's not about the start of the summer, but sacrifices made for these freedoms.
I so agree! We are free today for those who have served and are still serving. I am so thankful to be living in such a great country. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be free. God's blessings on them and their families. We can never forget, ever, not just be thankful one or two (Veterans Day or Memorial Day) but be thankful everyday for them and their families.
Heather
Amen!
Thank you. My boy is overseas with the AF right now.
Thanks for sharing, Linny. I worked 8 hours today then drove over to the cemetery here in town that has an avenue of flags in the cemetery that are in honor of veterans, some giving the ultimate sacrifice in time of war. I went there to see the flags wave and look at some of the graves that held veterans. Beautiful, quiet, but also sad to think of the wars fought on this earth. It will happen til the very end of time. For our soldiers, past and present, thanks you indeed. Both my husband and I served years ago in the Air Force. It was an honor and a privilege to serve our God and country. Praying for you as you miss your son and so thankful for his sacrifice and willingness to ready men and women on the fighting front. Hugs to you, Linny!
"One cannot be part of active combat and walk away unscathed." These words are so true Linnie. When a soldier goes to war, the family goes to war. I am angry at what Ira#/Afganist@n stole from me, from our family. The man that returned home was not the man I left at the airport April 8, 2006.
Occassionally, I see the man I fell in love with. Most often not.
Good bless our troops, keep them all safe dear Lord.
Blessings,
Suzanne
Thank you Linny for this post. It is sadly a day that so many forget WHY we have it. A very dear friend lost her husband 4 years ago. He was serving in Afghanistan. She was 8 months pregnant and is a young widow raising her son who has a hard time understanding why his daddy is gone. It is absolutely heart wrenching to walk that road with someone. I am quick to share the story with others when they make flippant comments about our soldiers and military. May we never forget the sacrifice of those who have given their lives, and to be supportive of families who have loved ones serving all over the world.
We are so thankful for your son's service and all veterans… What a blessing it is to us!
A huge thank you to you and your family for your unselfish sacrifice and service. God bless you all!
Thank you for this. I pray that the true meaning of this day does not get drowned in barbecue sauce. Thank you to your son, those in my family and all the brave men and women who serve our country.
From another military Momma…Amen. Thank you…I could not have said it better myself. God Bless Our Troops!!
Yes. Our freedom is not free. Thanks to all who so WILLINGLY pay the price! Our military men are the picture of Jesus.
Standing and cheering you on from here. Beautifully said. I am proud to be a daughter of a Vietnam vet who made it home, permanently changed but thankfully for the better, after his tour of duty. God has blessed our family in immeasurable ways and I firmly believe that much of it is b/c of the man of honor and integrity he became as a young officer in training. God used it to set his foundations firm. Thank you for this beautiful post.
Thanks for the reminder! Praying for our military! Janet