Today, I take a moment to think. About all the people in my life that I should thank for their sacrifice. Whether that sacrifice was a few months away from home, a few years...a limb...or a life. My family history, past and present, is wrought with men and even a few women, who gave some or all of their lives for the freedoms that so many people in this country take for granted.
Recently, in our town, we have had the traveling Vietnam War memorial wall. It is 80% of the size of the real wall that sits in Washington, D.C. I have seen that one and I can tell you that even if you have, this traveling wall is just as inspiring at 80% the size. (Pictures to come.)
My parents and I took my grandfather, a Vietnam vet himself. It made me wonder what his tour was like. Being Air Force, I know he was on base a lot, but that doesn't change that he was there. His father was a Wolrd War II vet. Camden's grandfather was a WWII vet who received a bronze star while his grandmother was a Navy nurse. Camden himself is a vet, serving 4 months in Kuwait supporting troops in Iraq. We have friends who have served at least 1 tour of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan and many that have done multiple tours.
All I could think while at the wall was about all the parents who said goodbye to their children too soon. And then there was the Global War on Terrorism wall...that held dog tags of all the names of soldiers lost in MY lifetime and it really hit home. Those moms and dads will never see their children again. As a mom who has lost her children, I still can't fathom the idea of raising a child only to lose him or her to something like war. I know it happens and it has always happened, but it doesn't make it any less unfathomable.
I guess it's the circle of life, but today, I give thanks. To my family, to my friends, and to all the unknown soldiers who have given a part or all of their lives so that I can live free. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
All gave some. Some gave all. <3
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