I've talked a little about what the military means to me before here and here. My great-grandfather, grandfather and husband were all in the army during different wars and while none of them ever really talked of their experiences (only in the last couple of years has Spouse done anything but dismiss his time served) it shapes people in irrevocable ways.
The meaning of Armistice Day has changed over the years, the "Never Again" refrain largely being replaced with "We will not forget." A hope for an end to all war seems hopelessly naive, especially in our current climate of invisible terrorists. Regardless of what one feels about any particular war, our service people ALL deserve our remembrance whether dead, injured physically or mentally, still serving or not. Not a glorification of war but a simple recognition of a hard job done for something larger than oneself.
We can't attend our local service this year due to a clash of schedules but we try and go most years. One of my proudest moments as a parent? Watching my shy 6 year old carry her Beaver colony flag in the local parade in 2008.
- "How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!"
- Maya Angelou
Ahem....our Veterans Day is the 11th. The local HS does a program every year and the most touching part is when the band plays all the different services music and ask the audience to stand up when they hear their branch of the military and we clap like crazy the whole time!:)
ReplyDeleteDad was in the Air Force for 24 years and little brother for 4....so proud!
It's so good seeing our church full to bursting this morning, and so many children - great representation from the scout groups and the guide groups
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