Veteran's Day

On Friday The Boy and I attended a Veteran's Day service at the school where the girls attend. The choir sang a medley of patriotic songs, the band played marches and the National Anthem, and some students spoke.

The school invited veterans to attend. They walked down the center aisle behind the flag as the band played a march: both men and women of all ages, including two young men in uniform and a distinguished gentleman who walked with a cane. Some were young men with kids in the school; others may have served in Vietnam or Korea. The old man may have served in WWII.

My mom and I had to blot our eyes a bit. Something about that man with the cane...

Later, one of the students asked all of the veterans to stand. The audience applauded. And applauded. And applauded. And then a teacher toward the front stood up. Then another. Then we all stood and kept applauding for what seemed like five full minutes--the steady, strong kind of clapping flowing from respect, admiration and gratitude. I teared up again, and I didn't expect it, as I'm not the teary type.

I came home to an email from my friend Beverley in which she recommended this slide show. The Boy came running when he heard the pretty piano music and watched it with me.

I want to share it with you today, Veteran's Day, and join with the Military Support Group who put together this short presentation (I know nothing about the group except for the slide show) in saying thanks to every man and woman who has ever served in the armed forces.

Some of you have suffered personal pain and losses as a result of your work. Some of you still suffer. Some of you will.

In light of that, "thank you" may seem lame. I can only imagine what you have gone through, because I really have no idea. Still, I hope you know that we want to somehow communicate our gratitude.

Thank you for serving.

Thank you for your sacrifices

For those in active duty...I pray for your safe return.