Thankful for Those Who Served
May 25, 2009 by Karen Weideman
Filed under Holidays
I grew up in a military town. My mom’s dad and my dad’s dad had faithfully served their countries and my mom and dad met and stayed in that military town. My grandpa retired there.
Growing up a military town is different. People come and go from your lives and you may never hear from them again. You can go to church each week and see the children and wives that are left behind while the husbands are off on deployment or war. You pray for them while they’re gone and celebrate upon their return. You see the businesses that struggle when something big like Dessert Storm comes around and you feel the pride for the service given. The military parades cause you to cheer yet have a choaking lump in your throat as you remember their sacrifice.
Just over a week ago, my grandma passed away. She was laid to rest with my grandpa. As I read his tombstone, I realized that I had forgotten about the many years he spent serving his country. I had forgotten about the wars that he had fought for our freedom. It wasn’t until that day that I realized the physical pain my grandpa suffered each day because of his service.
I hope that you are enjoying your time with family and friends today. I hope that you are thankful for your freedom. Freedom is not free. I hope that you’ll thank a service man or woman and when you do, please don’t forget to thank the families they have left behind.
image from sxc.hu
