...and all of the other amazing men and women who have served to protect us all. I can never even begin to imagine what all that means - what it must be like to go to a foreign land and fight for people back home who are not able or not willing to do the same, to literally put your life on the line, to face the horrors that you did, to carry that with you always, and to do so virtually thanklessly...Thank you seems so hollow and so little for such a gigantic task, but that is all I can think to say.... well that and I'm sending you each a huge virtual hug to accompany the thank you :)
In the spirit of today, I saw this article today and remembered the time I was lucky enough to help these guards lay a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier: http://fieldnotes.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/11/10/1667441.aspx. Those guards were amazing: here were 4 6th grade chorus kids incapable of understanding the magnitude of this monument, and the guards were so kind and friendly. He explained to us the exact steps we were to take, the exact moves we were supposed to make - he joked with us, smiled widely, and lined us up. But once we stepped foot outside and began our procession, he turned into a different person - hardly a person at all - more like a moving statue. There was such honor and dedication in his perfectionism. What an amazing experience. If only everyone treated all soldiers with that respect and appreciation....
Thank you Veterans.
Posts
10 comments:
I, too, remember that trip to D.C. The tomb of the uknown soldier has a special place in my heart!
I also remember the birds pooping on my back at the D.C. Zoo!
I remember that too!!! You in DC and Kelly Walsh in Disney... In fact I still share that story with anyone when I see birds actively poo-ing ;)
OH and I also remember from the DC trip Matt Whitman's (is that his last name??) idea of humor with his stink bomb in the mall, and the guy who was pleasing himself in traffic as all of our chaperones rushed around the bus in a panic trying to keep the young impressionables from watching and egging him on.... Eww. DC is dirty.
Thanks Erika. We did it because our fathers before us did it. They taught us that freedom truly is not free. My reward has been seeing you and your brothers grow into really neat and caring people.
Love,
Dad
Well thanks back to you, dad :)
So that makes me wonder 2 things... #1-what made your dads do it? and #2-what happens if men today don't follow their dads - who will defend us in the next generation?? Perhaps it's my surroundings, but I worry that this commitment is starting to fall on deaf ears??
Great posts lately! Sorry I've been a "silent commenter" as you so eloquently put it :) The internet has been down at my house since Sunday (to be fixed today - fingers crossed) and the recent passing of an uncle has left me, well, silent. I do love your insights, though - don't stop!
Love you!
Rosie
p.s. Let me echo Erika's thanks to the Crawford clan for protecting our country in times of conflict. Coming for a very military family myself, I too respect the honor, committment, and utter selflessness military personnel give to their country...give to us. Many thanks over and over. God bless you.
Thanks for all your wonderful posts! I've been a bit busy lately with little David to stay up to speed. I loved your tribute to veterans and agree 100% with your political views/posting. We all send our love and can't wait to see you and Clay again soon!
Rosie I am so sincerely sorry about your uncle - we can only take solice in the fact that butch is in a safe, peaceful, brand new place - no disorders, no hospitals, no more surgeries or diagnoses - failed or accurate. You and your family are in my prayers.
Welcome back Courtney - so great to hear from you! How are you and DJ and David? I sure miss you all 3 - and can I once again say how nice it was to meet David?? My little tripster the ripster ;) My only regret is that I didn't get to hold him more... sigh...
Love and miss you all 3!!
ps-thanks for the concurrences on politics - damn good to hear that all the way up here! Finally!! ;)
Post a Comment