Veteran’s Day. My
chest bursts with pride, love, patriotism, freedom, and blessing; and yet I experience
loss, sacrifice and what-ifs as well. I have such mixed emotions about this day
every year.
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| S/Sgt William T. John |
My father died while serving in Vietnam. He proudly served
his country, in a war that wasn’t officially a war, so that I would have the
freedom to do what I am doing today – publicly voicing my thoughts. He died at
age forty-five with almost thirty-years of military service. He and the
military were a perfect fit for each other. He left behind a wife and four
children, ages 21, 16, 11 and 6. Thanks to his sacrifice, I had the right to
vote in the recent Presidential election. I am proud of my Daddy for his
service.
My husband was wounded on March 8, 1968 by shrapnel from a
mortar round. He healed from the physical wounds much faster than he healed
from the emotional wounds he brought home from Vietnam. When his tour of duty
ended, he came home to protesters blaming him for the war.
 |
| Larry Biggerstaff |
Unlike today, there were no “Welcome Home Troops” signs posted
in airports, or organized groups of volunteers to greet them with, “Welcome
home and thanks for your service.” We
met when he came to his new duty station in Fort Gordon, GA. Exactly one year
after he was wounded, we married. I am proud of Larry for his service. Thanks
to his sacrifice, I was free to worship in the church of my choice this week.
These two men are heroes in my eyes. John 15:13 tells us, “Greater
love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” These two men, and other military men and women,
demonstrate a great love for fellow man and country. They not only lay down their
lives for their friends, they lay them down for their enemies and for people
they don’t even know.
Would you like to help me honor and encourage some young men
and women who are currently protecting our freedoms in a combat situation?
I have the address for a unit
of twenty, fifteen men and five women. I am seeking a few people who will commit
to sending a couple of cards a month for the next three months. If I get more
than this unit needs, I’ll request another address from AnySoldier.com. Send me
an e-mail at hiskid410@gmail.com to
request the address.
Be a blessing and fill someone’s day with joy-
Cathy
Good deal! I'll send you the address and a few "rules." Bless you!
ReplyDeleteMy dad was growing up during WWII. When he was just 17, he was so desperate to join the military that he had his aunt forge his mom's name to let him in early. Before boot camp ended, the war ended officially. He was very proud of his country and his opportunity to serve, even if he never saw combat. But I think he always had regrets that he wasn't born just a year earlier. I just emailed you to get some names, Cathy. Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb! Missed your comment but got your e-mail. So glad you are participating in encouraging our soldiers with me. You're the best!
DeleteCathy,
ReplyDeleteI sent you an email requesting information to be a part of this wonderful endeavor, but I have not herd back. In case it got lost in cyberspace, here is my email at jringalls@msn.com.
I also highlighted this blog on my blog last Thursday (www.outshineovariancancer.blogspot.com). I hope you get more support as a result of it.
Blessings to you for a wonderful and inspiring post.
Thanks, Karen! I didn't get your e-mail but I am so happy that we connected on here. I'll be sending you the address later today. Thanks so much for the mention on your blog. Hopefully we will be able to touch the lives of our heroes in Afghanistan. Blessings on you and yours!
ReplyDelete