Military Spouse Appreciation Day - May 6

Change of plans for today... I was going to write more about letters and share some that passed between my grandmother and my father. I'll put that on hold for now. Today is a day that I can't let pass by - Military Spouse Appreciation Day!

May 6 is set aside each year to recognize the unsung heroes that love and support our military personnel. Military spouses may not wear a uniform, and they may see the front line, but their duty is tough. They wait. They wait for their soldier, and they keep the homes fires burning. Military spouses stand behind their warrior, giving them the strength to carry on. Its knowing they have the love of a good woman or man waiting for them at home that makes active duty easier. 

I'm not a military spouse, nor have I ever been one. I can't imagine what it's like to wait and to wonder if your spouse will come home whole or if they will come home at all. It's a tremendous load and an uncertain one. Military spouses have a special place in Heaven reserved for them if you ask me.

Today, I send my love, my thanks, and my appreciation to the military spouse who waits for my son. My daughter-in-law, Dominique, is a young, beautiful college student. She and my Tyler have been married just over a year. She's amazing. 

Tyler and Dominique have had a unique experience, as their dating life began just shortly before he enlisted. They have endured much separation due to college for her and military service for him. Dominique stood behind Tyler during his deployment to Haiti and Iraq. It's not easy, I'm certain, for a young lady to deal with all the ups and downs that come with military life. As his wife, she supports him in a completely different way that a parent just can't. I love her for everything she brings to my son's life.

Thank you, Dominique, for your enduring love for my son. You are my hero.

Dominique and Tyler

If you know a military spouse, take a moment to thank them; acknowledge THEIR service.

Phone calls and letters

There's something about having a military son that hasn't changed in a century. When your boy answers the call and heads to Basic Training, you won't see him for months, and your only communication during that time will be letters and a handful of phone calls.

My father served in World War II, joining what was at that time the Army Air Corps. This was before the Air Force was created. A wiry young lad, born on a farm in West Virginia, my father had known many hardships in his young life. His father died in the flu epidemic of 1918 as did several other close relatives. His mother had to sell the farm,  move into town and take in boarders, cook and clean, while caring for two small boys. The family relocated to Buffalo, NY when his mother finally remarried.

My dad was one of many who saw joining the military as an opportunity to protect our nation and do something important. Love of country was stronger than love of self. Leaving everything familiar behind, men like my dad, headed off to a very uncertain future and possibly death. The only link to home was through letters.

It's an interesting thing about these letters. I would bet if you asked 100 military people, 99 would say they saved every note, every card, every letter they received while serving. Those letters are a delicate lifeline that can cross thousands of miles and tether a soldier to home. My dad saved the letters he received as well as the ones he wrote home. Upon his mother's death, they were found among her treasured possessions, of which there were few.

After my father's death, my mother gave each of the children some of those letters. What a treasure. Reading them gave me a better sense of the man my father was in his younger years, and they helped me get to know my grandmother. Though I never met her, I feel I know her well. We share a bond, stronger now because of her letters.

Tomorrow...letters.                                  

Red White and Blue, Through and Through

Did you ever see the looks passersby give someone completely decked out in red white and blue when it isn’t a holiday? What about when a car passes with all manner of patriotic bumper stickers and paraphernalia? How about the person whose yard is decked out with r-w-b everything year ‘round? People might say they are kooky. I just think they love the United States of America, and they want the whole world to know it. Who can argue with that?

Perhaps they have served in the military. Perhaps they have a loved one who has served. Perhaps they just happen to like anything that screams America. In the days following September 11^th, American flags flew off the shelves, and banners and signs hung everywhere. It took a national tragedy that ripped our hearts to shreds, but in the aftermath, Americans came together and began showing our true colors – red, white and blue.

Ten years down the road, the flags don’t fly so often. There are fewer dazzling displays of patriotism visible to the eye. Even so, I think that the love of our nation has not cooled. In fact, I hear more and more people speak of the Constitution, argue for our freedoms, and speak of their love for our country. I do see American Flag pins on coats and lapels. I see hands on hearts during the National Anthem and people actually singing it.

Fortunately we live in a land where it is perfectly okay to be different. You are free to jazz your yard up year ‘round with patriotic decorations or not. You may wear an Uncle Sam hat, a tiny flag on your lapel, or nothing that reflects the heart of a patriot. I personally like a few troop support bumper stickers and magnets on my car, but not everyone does. That’s okay. We are free to wear our patriotism like a badge of honor or love our country in quieter ways.

Men and women have died to give us our freedom. Many more have died to preserve liberty and allow us to pursue happiness. Remembering those sacrifices is important. Living well in our free society is the best honor we can bestow on them. Our way of life is a torch that burns brightly for the world to see.

What matters most is that the love of country continues to burn in our hearts. Inside the hearts of true patriots, we are red white and blue, through and through.

Stand Behind Them

I got this little gem in an email. It reminds me that there is are truly good, decent people among us.The power of such simple words as thank you can change a person. It means everything to our troops.

 I don't know where "Richard" is or if he is even still living, but I'd like to add my thanks: Thank you, Richard, for serving.

The email said to feel free to share, so I thought I would. At the bottom, it states, "If you don't stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them."  AMEN. 

I absolutely could not have said it better myself. So without further ado, here is a wonderful reminder of why it is so vital that we support our troops.

(Note:  I did check with snopes.com; the story is authentic.)

Ann Margret.... Viet Nam 1966 "Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam , other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures. A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing. When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted. Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn. He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, 'I understand. I just wanted her to see it.' She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, 'This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.'' With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them.. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there. Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears.. 'That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,' he said. That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband. I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces.. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country. If you'd like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make."  --Author unknown A true Patriot will pass this on.   On behalf of those who DO appreciate all that you did for us, Thank you to each of you who receive this message who have served or are serving our country in the armed services or any other service.  IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS, PLEASE, FEEL FREE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM

"In God We Trust Day"

I felt like this was important enough to add a second post today. April 22 is also known as "In God We Trust Day." (Non believers stop reading now... stop back tomorrow) Today is one of those days that makes me know God is everywhere -- and right here with me -- all at the same time. What some call coincidence, I know is the voice of God, whispering to me...

Yesterday, I was thinking of a friend who passed away several years ago. Today in church, the choir sang a song that was also sung at her funeral. It is one I find especially comforting, yet unsettling, all at the same time. Does that make sense? The song, "You are Mine," was written by David Haas. 

I don't think it is any coincidence that I think of my wise friend, hear that particular song and it just happens to be "In God We Trust Day." If there is anything that I have learned as the mom of military boys, you have to trust in God or you just might lose your mind with worry. Having children who have stepped up to the challenge of defending and protecting is daunting. I'm sure I speak for many of us when I say it is a feeling of complete loss of control and power over the course of life events. Being a bit of a control freak, that is hard.

So... for all of you (and me) who need it, here is a link to a beautiful, beautiful song. 

"You Are Mine"

If you don't get to this post on the exact date of "In God We Trust Day," that's okay too. You can trust Him every day, not just April 22. He'll be there waiting for you whenever you need Him.

More about banners

I teach fourth grade in an elementary school in a suburban area just outside Buffalo, New York. (No, it doesn’t snow here ALL year, and YES, we would love to win a Super Bowl or Stanley Cup game, but I digress). When I got to work the other morning, I met a colleague named Tom in the hall, and we exchanged pleasantries about the weekend and Easter recess. Then he asked, “Tyler’s your son, right?”

I thought, “Hmmm, why is he asking about Tyler?” I was certain he had never met him, and I couldn't imagine why he'd know him by name or be asking about him. 

Then he told me. As it turns out, my colleague, Tom, had seen Tyler’s picture on a Hometown Hero banner in my town. Tom is very familiar with the banner project because his nephew is also among the men and women honored as Hometown Heroes. What a small world. It is a small world indeed.

They say that every person is only 3 connections away from anyone else in the world. While I’m not sure I necessarily find that to be absolute, we are more closely linked to our fellow humans than we think. No where is that more true than among military families and their friends. It seems that wherever I go, I run into at least a couple people who have served in the military, have a close relative serving or are friends with a military person.

The first time you get an inkling of the bigger “family” of the military is when you see your child off for the first time. In our case, we attended the swearing in ceremonies of our boys, then raced to the airport to meet up with them again before they flew out to the bases. Both times, we met parents and shared our pride, our worries, and our life stories as we watched and waited for our children.

There is nothing like pride, worry and separation anxiety to help parents forge a make-shift support group on the fly. It just happens. No matter how fleeting the minutes, much can be shared and much strength can be drawn from each other. Each time we have attended a Basic Training graduation or met our boys at the airport, we somehow gravitate to other parents of other soldiers. The comfort that the brief interludes bring washes over and keeps you going.

So as I travel Buffalo Street in Hamburg, I look at the faces on the banners. I read the names each time I pass by. I think of their families – some I know, but most I don not know. I say a silent thank you to all of them for their sacrifice. I know what they have gone through, their greatest fears, the moments of desperately wishing to be able to hug your kid.

Military families bear a heavy burden, but together, with communities standing behind us, supporting and honoring our loved ones, we withstand what come our way.

Thank You for Serving

As a person who loves words and writing, I am always amazed at the power words have over us. Think about it. When you hear, “I love you,” does your heart not skip a beat? When your baby says “Mamma” or “Dadda” for the first time, there is nothing like it. Time stands still, if just for a moment.

Sometimes it is the lack of words that impact us. Words left unsaid, for whatever reason, can cut deeper than a knife to the heart. My husband served in Viet Nam. Those were hard days to serve. It became popular sport for Americans to show their displeasure with the war by treating our soldiers with disdain and disgust. And if not that, then to simply ignore our military personnel as they returned from the war zone.

As a mom of two soldiers, it disgusts me to think how men like my husband were treated upon their return. No bands playing. No crowds gathered. No one to even say so much as a “thank you.” Imagine the wounds we inflicted our own young men. Imagine that. If anything ever made me ashamed to be an American, it is how we treated our soldiers returning from Viet Nam. To put it lightly, it was despicable.

I am proud today to know that as a society we have evolved in how we treat our soldiers, at least in the respect we give them. Whether it is a side effect of the outbreak of national pride that infected us after 9/11, or whether it is just becoming a kinder, gentler, wiser nation as we age, we have begun to do a better job of expressing our thanks and appreciation for the role our warriors play.

If you know a veteran or a person currently serving, you probably realize how matter-of-fact they are about what they do. They don’t expect thanks, and most shy away from it. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t thank them or continue to find new ways to let them know we appreciate the sacrifices they make.

Last week, in my hometown, a thank you was unveiled for military members who have deployed and served in combat zones since 9/11. Banners bearing names and photographs of 32 hometown heroes now grace the main street of our town. The banners project became reality thanks to the hard word of another patriot mom, Sue Jantzi, whose daughter, Capt. Jennifer Jantzi, served two tours in Iraq. Mrs. Jantzi got the idea from a similar project in another town, and happily, she brought it to Hamburg, NY.

My son, Tyler, is one of 32 soldiers being honored with a banner in  Hamburg, NY.

The banners not only express the thanks of a grateful community, but they let us know just how many friends we have serving. I was surprised to recognize three names in addition to my own son’s name.

The real point here is to take pride in our young people. Show them how much you care and how much you appreciate the job they do each day to keep us safe. And if you see them, thank them for serving.

 It’s amazing what two simple words can do.

Two Small Words, One Big Difference

Two Small Words, One Big Difference

There are two small words that make a world of difference in interpreting the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution - from and of.  We barely give a thought to these words when we speak them. Small words, but definitely not interchangeable.

Almost every day there is a news story about individuals or organizations at odds over religion, or just implied or perceived religious overtones. This week was no different.

At Camp Pendleton in California, the existence of a memorial to fallen Marines is being threatened. If you are unfamiliar with the story, a memorial was constructed ten years ago by a group of seven Marines to honor their fallen comrades. Two crosses were erected high on a hilltop on the base in a secluded area, reachable only by a long, arduous hike. The memorial was constructed to honor the fallen and provide a place of quiet reflection for family members and other Marines.

Since the memorial was created several of those involved in creating the memorial died in the line of duty.

Now that memorial is in danger. Why? The crosses are offensive to a group of atheists. Citing the right of freedom FROM religion, the atheist group now plans to sue if the crosses are not removed. It is unclear why the crosses so offend the atheists, and why they feel it is any of their business in the first place.

I’d like to point out that in this great country one does have the right to be offended by the speech or actions of another. That is because we have liberty. We are free to do as we please, so long as the rights of another aren’t infringed upon and harm is not being done to another.

The first amendment, in part, reads:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...”

Yes. Exactly. Freedom OF religion, not FROM religion. We are free to worship and express our religious beliefs as we see fit. Why don’t the atheists get it? They are free not to believe, and we are free to believe. And, we are supposed to be able to co-exist in this land of liberty. So why must there constantly be a concerted effort to wipe God out?

As a nation, we have allowed political correctness to become our religion. We have taken God out of school; we’ve tried to take him out of every public space. Prayer is viewed with disdain. We have tried to revise the wishes of our Founding Fathers (not Framers!) and pretend that we know better than they, what their intent was when they established religious freedom as the first and most important freedom we have.

Military member stand ready to give their lives defending the rights of Americans, including atheists. Why then, should their liberty be infringed upon now? Have these Marines not suffered enough, lost enough? What is so upsetting about a memorial to honor the fallen?

Perhaps those who oppose it should ignore its existence as they ignore God’s existence.

Welcome!

Welcome! This blog is a space for those of us who have a passion for our country, our soldiers, and our way of life. I created this blog so we can come together as unabashed proud Americans and share what we are thinking and feeling. 

If you are like me, you probably feel like this country is in the midst of some turbulent times. It feels like we are on an uncertain path. This blog space is not for politics, right or left. There are other forums for that. We have a much more important topic to explore.

I call myself a patriot mom because I am a mom of four sons. Just like many of you, I was raised with a deep love for my country by parents who were themselves patriotic. My parents came from a generation when it seemed everyone felt that love of country, no matter what. Today it seems we are losing that a little. Not if I can help it.