Memorial Day
A Tribute to Our Veterans
Today our veterans are in the public eye. Not a day goes by that we don’t hear some story or another about a local hero injured or dying in battle. With our service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan, thousands of our loved ones are fighting for freedom and the American way. This is a tribute to those men and women and the loved ones praying for their safe return.
When I was growing up, my Dad would constantly talk about the Korean and Vietnam wars and his ten years as a sergeant in the army. My brother’s and I would cringe and exclaim,”But that was years ago!”
He narrowed his eyes and said with a gentle curve to his lips, “Not that long ago.” Then he would continue to tell us how lucky we were to live in a country where a man was free to make his own choices in life, and that we should be proud to be Americans. Sometimes Dad got a little carried away and his face beamed like a lighthouse in a dense fog.
Back then I was too young to understand, and by the time I became an adult the world calmed for a while, that was until the Gulf war. Dad was older then and didn’t spout about his life in the service nearly as much. Memorial Day, without fail, he would put out the American flag. I can see him doing it now as I am writing. It meant a great deal to him and he took great pride and pleasure in honoring our military.
At some point today, if you would, in between the festive BBQS and fun, say a little prayer or make a toast to the honorable men and woman of the military ... they keep us safe.
GOD BLESS THEM
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Also today, a good friend of mine and phenomenal fellow blogger, Roland Yeomans, is featuring an incredible give away ...
THE RIVAL, a companion book to his amazing Victor Standish series, is free for today! So please drop by Roland's blog ... AND for those blogger who do not know Roland, if there are any out there, you need to discover the extreme writing talent of this man. Of ALL the bloggers I know, no one can turn a phrase or set a scene like he can. And if you do know Roland and haven't yet read any of his exceptional work, then now is the time!
EVERYONE, have a safe and pleasant Memorial Day. And PLEASE take care on the roads if you are driving.
20 comments:
My father served in Vietnam and as a military brat, I have a great appreciation for the sacrifices our military make for our freedom. We will fly our flag today with pride.
And Roland's offer is aweome!
Great post Michael. And interesting to read that Alex's dad was in the military true. It's important we take time from enjoying the day off to remember the sacrifices so many have made.
I hope that everyone takes some time today to remember the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives -- and those who are left behind to mourn the loss.
Freedom is never free. Blood has always been the price.
Those who have never seen a friend die beside him in combat can never totally understand. We breathe free today because brave men and women paid the ultimate price.
Heartfelt post, Michael. Thanks for the shout-out.
Nicely done, Michael.
I will go and visit Roland's blog. I've been wanting to see a sample of his writing, since New Orleans has always intrigued me. I like Jazz, and most of the music from that quarter.
War stinks, but even in our books, it seems to never end.
I will be making that toast to our veterans, Michael. They are truly appreciated!
Congratulations to Roland; what a great title and cover.
Very nice.
I always pray for our soldiers.
Thank you for sharing.
Today I'm honoring the brave servicemen and women who've made sacrifices to maintain the safety and freedom of others.
I'll check out Roland's blog.
I could never sacrifice the way our military does. Their bravery, honor and courage to give us the freedom we take for granted too often will be appreciated forever.
Great Tribute:)
Wonderful tribute, my friend. I will certainly toast the armed forces for all the sacrifices they, and their families make to bring the rest of us freedom and peace. My uncle was in the British army many years ago and I think they never really leave it. Too many memories and firm friendships and horrors. It creates a bond some of us will never experience.
Hope you're having a relaxing week! And I'm super excited to hear more on your fantabulous design project in Florida!!
Big fluffy hugs!!
Talei xo
The two world wars were always a favorite topic of mine in school, mostly because my father was a WWII veteran. Memorial Day means so much to me.
My dad served in Vietnam, too. Thank you for sharing this, Michael. :)
Beautifully done post in every way. My father served in the Navy during WWII. He never saw any combat action as he was such a good basketball player he served on the Navy basketball team. Sounds strange, but I guess there were roles for everyone.
Lee
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The sad thing about Vietnam is that our brave soldiers were kicked and spit on when they returned. I hope that never happens again in this country. Yes, the Vietnam war was one of those extremely unpopular wars, but why take it out on the fighting boys who got drafted? That was shameful and I hope never happens again in this country.
Very nice!
Heather
Loved your tribute, Michael. Very fond of the military. (I even married an officer! :) It means so much when people go out of their way to simply say, 'Thanks, you're appreciated.'
Much less when folks say such thoughtful and gracious things like what you've shared.
Hope your holiday weekend was restful and all-around awesome.
EJ
Excellent Memorial Day tribute!
A lovely tribute Michael.
Good luck with your endeavors this week. And don't sweat the RFW thing. I'm only 183 words into mine too :)
......dhole
What a great anecdote about your father! Happy Memorial Day.
Thanks for popping by my blog! I've been so busy, too! :) Hope all's well with you.
My father was airborn on the front lines during Vietnam. He's lived with PTSD his entire life. The stories still brings tears to his eyes. He was only a few days past his Eighteenth birthday when he was drafted. A child, dropped in the middle of the jungle...alone.
My heart goes out to all the men and women who are overseas right now. I hope they return home safely soon.
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