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A new life in the land of winding waters​

​

I Think of Those...

5/28/2017

2 Comments

 
PictureGod, bless America...
" I think of those who, at recruitment or draft, write their name on a form as they register. They sign their name to a blank check that may require their very lives at time of redemption. Whether driven to the military by patriotism, duty or poverty, their signatures confirm a commitment that others can't or won't make.

​A grateful patriot says, "Thank you."

​I think of those who returned in silence, who weren't welcomed home, who mentally haven't taken their uniforms off because the wars rage on in their heads, still today.

A grateful patriot stands today with open arms and says, "Welcome home."

​I think of those buried on foreign ground or in a hometown cemetery, with small American flags marking their graves, remembered by the others who served.

​A grateful patriot says, "God, be with their families."
​
​I think of veterans gathered at the Wallowa County Courthouse Memorial Day at noon who remember their comrades, with trumpeters echoing "Taps" while a few miles up the road American citizens are enjoying a day off from work. BBQ's and family reunions, fishing at the lake or camping-  many don't "get" that the freedom to play this weekend comes from those willing to commit their lives through military service.

​A grateful patriot says, "Freedom isn't free."

Picture SW1 Richard W. Stickroth
I think of my husband, Richard, who passed away from a
​service-connected illness.

​This grateful patriot wipes a tear from her eye.

2 Comments
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1/19/2018 01:39:00 pm

This is the reason why I cannot be married to a soldier. I do not think my heart can bear it whenever my husband has to go on duty. The everyday struggle and pain not knowing if your husband will come home alive or dead. I just know that I will not be able to survive if ever my husband would die at war because I want to grow old with my husband. I want our children to have a father that they can count on.

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Katherine
1/21/2018 11:50:50 pm

The military service and the family life that goes with it is not for everyone. Yet civilians are greatly benefited by those who serve. I was hoping to inspire a greater appreciation for their sacrifices in this post. Thank you for commenting...your points are certainly valid.

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  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • The Perils of Petey Podengo
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