By Bonnie Harris
With Memorial Day last week, I've been thinking a lot about those people who have served and currently serve in the military. Both of my grandpa's served, I have an uncle that's retired and another currently on active duty as well as a cousin. Then my neighbor is leaving on Monday for boot camp. I think of some of my friends who are and have served and the conversations I've had with them. I think about the hardships that each member of military and their families have and my heart goes out to them. Here are a few bits of conversations from various friends and family that keep running through my head. I don't think I'll get it verbatim, but I don't think that's important.
He was showing me and my roommates a picture of his platoon before they were deployed. 'This one no longer has his legs. This one didn't come home. This one lost and arm. He didn't come home. Neither did he. He's still there. He died. He died.' All in all there were only three or four members of his platoon that came home, none were completely whole. A very sobering moment for me.
'It doesn't matter if I agree or disagree with the President or even the reason to be other there. He [the president] is my Commander in Chief and I will support him in his decisions.'
'I can't describe what it was like over there, or the way those people looked at us like we were heaven sent.'
'I'm serving because someone has to defend our right to make good and bad decisions.'
My grandpa never talked about his experience in the war. He only ever admitted to firing his weapon. I've since learned of his extreme involvement and high ranking.
I just finished reading
Donna Hatch's
Queen in Exile and really liked the growth in perspective of the Queen in her learning the purpose of a warrior. Her conclusion was that we need warriors to protect us. They don't necessarily enjoy taking life, but when a bloodthirsty man is out there, someone needs to have the ability and skill to defend the innocent.
That's our military. Highly, trained, professionals willing to sacrifice everything to defend our freedoms. As much criticism as war gets and knowing the potential cost of entering the military I am extremely grateful for those willing to fight of our rights. Where else do we have the freedom to write what we want without fear of repercussion? Where else can we express our opinions freely? Where else do we have the freedoms we have?
I am touched every time I see a flag flying or a person in military uniform or hear stories of what is happening because of our military. THANK YOU to all of those past and present that are serving in the military.
GOD BLESS THE USA
SUMMER TREASURE HUNT RULES:
You can send in one entry for each day’s prize, or only for those prizes that strike your fancy. The rules are simple:
(1) Go to the website or blog indicated for each day, find the answer to the question for that day, then email the answer with your name and AND MAILING ADDRES to jdipastena@yahoo.com. I promise you will not wind up on any mailing lists. This is only to facilitate the receipt of your prize. All entries will be deleted at the end of the contest.
(2) Please send a separate entry for each day and type the day you are entering in the subject line. (Such as: Summer Treasure Hunt, June 1; Summer Treasure Hunt, June 2, etc).
(3) Deadline for each day: Midnight PST
(4) The winner will be contacted and announced on the day following the deadline.
All winners will be draw by www.random.org.
You do not have to wait until the designated day to enter. You can start sending in your entries right now, or begin entering at any point along the way. And check back here each day between June 2nd – July 1st to read the names of the winners.
If you have any questions, please email Joyce DiPastena at jdipastena@yahoo.com.
And now…let the treasure hunt begin!
June 4
SPONSOR: Danielle Thorne
PRIZE: Josette (sweet Regency romance, E-book) AND Southern Girl, Yankee Roots (poetry), both by Danielle Thorne
QUESTION: Danielle supports what wildlife conservancy organization? (HINT: See right hand column of website)
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER:
ANSWER:
No comments:
Post a Comment