"In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." -Narosky
Early Saturday morning, my sons joined other scouts on the rolling green hills of our local cemetery. Scores of kids respectfully placed flags at the head of each veteran's grave.
Our sons did this last year also, and it was truly an amazing experience. It's a good opportunity to remind my children what previous generations have done for us.
My dad was in the Navy during World War II. When he was alive, Dad used to say he was "just a cook." That may be true, but each soldier contributes something valuable when they serve. Dad did his part, even if his role was small.
On this Memorial Day weekend, I'm thankful for those who serve. Their sacrifice is courageous and honorable. Their families will always have my respect and admiration.
Do you have a veteran in your family? A friend who's currently serving in the military? Please share their story...I'd love to hear it.
Hey, thanks for stopping by my blog! New readers are awesome!
ReplyDeleteNice post. Both of my grandfathers were in WWII and there are some people I went to high school with who are serving now. We really can't be grateful enough for what they've done for us.
What a nice gesture from the Scouts, and a nice way to keep them aware of history. The people who serve in the military deserve so much respect and recognition. Thanks for reminding us.
ReplyDeleteBridge Marie, don't you wish we could squeeze every story from our fathers and grandfathers? That would be amazing.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, I agree completely. Thanks for stopping by.
My dad is one of the few remaining WWII veterans. He celebrates his 90th birthday this August-the backbone of the family, the overseer and the man with the ideas we have to try and implement. He was an Air Force mechanic and was stationed in Burma, India, and China, working on the planes that flew the "hump". He has more stories than time left to relate them. Thank you for this post and I love the quote at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteMy father, along with a friend, enlisted in the Coast Guard instead of being drafted and sent to Korea. A cop out he delt with later. When finished, he was recognized for thousands of hours as a volunteer at the Veteran's Hospital. They loved his healing humor.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, thanks for sharing your dad's story. Oh, if only we could seep into their minds and grab every last memory. He sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteLarry, it sounds like your dad had a definite impact on the lives of others. I'm so glad he was recognized for his volunteer efforts.
Julie, what a wonderful event to have your children partake in. My dad was in the Naval Air, served two terms in Vietnam. Although he made it out both times, many of his fellow friends did not. One of my boys wants to enter the Navy when he grows up. Thank you for raising awareness. ";-)
ReplyDeleteI've been lucky to work with veterans when I was a teen. I'm forever grateful to both of them for teaching me to be a better man. I cannot fathom what they endured, even though they shared so many stories with me. Lest we forget.
ReplyDeleteAs a medium I'm visited all the time by old diggers and young men and women who have died in conflict. All emotions are heightened and often I have to pass them into the light. During this process I experience their deaths and the love for family and comrades left behind. I feel like crying now. I'm always connected to those moments. There's no sense to war. I wish all service men amd women could return home. The pain in spirit is so great.
Thank you for sharing, Simon.
Thank you for stopping by my blog! I love meeting other writers. THat is so awesome that your boys did this. My dad was also in the Navy in WWII on a ship and and my husband spent 7 years in the Marine Corps as a trumpet player where he did taps many times over our fallen.
ReplyDeleteThis was so touching. I couldn't have said it better myself, there is no unwounded soldier. Everyone who serves, and everyone who loves them, is affected. Stop by my blog this Monday to hear the story of my own soldier family member!
ReplyDeleteSheri, thanks for sharing your dad's story. Thank goodness your dad made it home safely, and I'm sorry for his friends that didn't.
ReplyDeleteSimon, thanks for sharing your powerful story. I can't imagine feeling the actual pain and emotions of others.
Terri, your dad and husband are both heroes. Playing taps for the fallen must have been such an honor.
Heather, I read your blog post about your dad. What an amazing story.
What a great post and fascinating comments. I like that blogging provides a medium for us to celebrate our service people.
ReplyDeleteI have a few friends who have served. I can't imagine what kind of impact war has on someone. Bless them.
Suzanne, I thought the same thing. Normally I just think these things, but it's so nice to have a place to share these moments with others! Thanks so much for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome tradition for your children to learn. I love that idea and may have to try that myself next year. My girls are 4 and 5. I had them say the pledge and sing the "I Love our Flag" song this am.
ReplyDeleteYou left a comment about thanking my dad and hubby for their service, and I see that your dad deserves thanks as well! I don't know how so many brave men & women have the fortitude to serve. It's awe-inspiring. I'm not sure hubby will ever be over some of the things he saw in Bosnia, and he was there to keep the peace, not to make war.
Jessie, I can only imagine what they see while in other lands. Whether at war, or at peace.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing for the scouts to do! My father-in-law was a WWII vet. He never talked about it much, though. Bless them all!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I think events like this are great for kids - and all of us, really.
ReplyDeleteMary Anne, your father-in-law deserves our thanks. When they're quiet about their service, I'm even more curious.
ReplyDeleteJaydee, you're so right. If it weren't for my sons, I wouldn't have been a part of this. It was amazing.
Alas all the veterans in my family from the WWII era have passed away.
ReplyDeleteWe don't observe you memorial day, tradition here mostly revolves around ANZAC day which is in April (I did a post about that back then).
“But fame is theirs - and future days
ReplyDeleteOn pillar'd brass shall tell their praise;
Shall tell - when cold neglect is dead -
"These for their country fought and bled."”
~Philip Freneau
Lovely post and thanks for stopping by my blog
loveNlight
Gabi
Julie, my father was in WWII in the Navy as well! Imagine your father may have cooked for mine! Amazing. I love the picture of your sons. Fantastic. And the quote "In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." Isn't that the truth...really speaks to the sacrifice they make so that we can sit here and write blogs and read books and raise families in peace.
ReplyDeleteWe've got all branches of the service represented in my family. Met my husband after the first Desert Storm (you remember, the first one where they weren't shooting back?). I'm grateful I didn't meet him until after he came home. I would have been a MESS worrying about him. My heart goes out to anyone who has family serving overseas. Don't know how they do it.
ReplyDeleteAl, it is sad that WWII vets are dying in such great numbers. Your country played such a large role in the war too.
ReplyDeleteGabriela, that is such a lovely poem. I've never read that one before. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa, I think the same thing...because of those brave people, I'm able to live my safe and comfortable life. Amazing.
Vicki, I give thanks to your husband for serving. I'm glad he made it home safe and sound so that he could meet you!
My son did the same thing with his scout troop and it really is a breathtaking sight to see as you step back and watch these young men honor fallen soldiers. I hope you had a wonderful holiday...thanks for stopping by my blog!
ReplyDeleteHi, Julie! My dad served in Vietnam for eleven months and several other family members are involved with the National Guard. I appreciate you taking the time to acknowledge our service men & women. They deserve it!!!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I posted something about you today on Head in the Clouds.:)
Johanna, so glad you got to experience the flag placement also. Wasn't it amazing?
ReplyDeleteTory, I loved your post! I'll do it too and tag someone else. A big thanks to your dad and your other family members who serve!
Love this - so great they get the chance to do this. Thanks for visiting my blog and becoming a follower.
ReplyDeleteMary, thank you for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Julie. I also like how you say that it's a good opportunity to remind children what previous generations have done
ReplyDeleteMy children kept asking me why I was clapping as the Boy Scouts passed during the Memorial Day Parade. I wish I had a way of explaining that these young boys in front of us will be the next generation--boys becoming men of integrity.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Wendy, that's very sweet of you. Yes, the boys in my sons' troops are all great kids.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to have the kids remember the veterans.
ReplyDeleteI don't have anyone in my family serving now, but my dad did serve in the Korean war.
Jennifer, thanks for stopping by. Your dad deserves our thanks!
ReplyDeleteBanned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem not learn, so enjoy it :)
ReplyDeleteEfek Samping Dari Vaksinasi Kanker Rahim
Konsumsi Susu Bagi Penderita Diabetes
Beberapa Penyakit Yang Sering Menyerang Anak Anak
Konsumsi Bayam Saat Hamil Baik Bagi Kesehatan
Obat Wasir Parah Untuk Ibu Hamil Yang Aman
Obat Penghilang Masalah Di Bagian Mulut
Jenis Obat Obatan Yang Bisa Bikin Insomnia
Penyakit Asma Yang Menyerang Ibu Hamil
Cara Meningkatkan Gairah Bercinta Pria
Gaya Bercinta Yang Banyak Di Gemari Pasangan