This rather early in the day for my blog writing, but it has been such an emotional day I wanted to try and capture all that I could. My hometown celebrated Veteran's Day today......it's a small town, maybe 4,000 to 5,000 people, if you drove through, you'd never take a second glance.
I have spent most of my life in or near this town, my parents grew up in communities nearby.
Rick and I have been involved with our Veteran's Board for the past few years, I have never regretted any time that I have given them. Our memorial is beautiful, it recognizes every branch of military service and our POW's and MIA's. Today, I had several people tell me that even in much larger towns, they had not seen a memorial as beautiful as ours.
Rick and I were asked to sing today, and honestly, it's hard to sing when you're crying. We had invited our friend Wes to sing also. As I looked at the Veterans who were there today, and the active service men and women as well, I was overcome with emotion. There were three local Veterans who were recognized for their service to country as well as community. One, an 82 year old Navy Seal, who even though has battled cancer for three years, stood as erect and tall as a 20 year old. A 90 year old, who was one of my dad's best friends and an 80something, Merchant Marine.
Many of my parents friends were there today, and I was flooded with thoughts of my mom and dad.....and drowned in the sadness of missing them. Later at lunch, at the local BBQ Joint, I saw another one of my dad's dearest friends......it seems I have cried most of this day.
I have thought about my brothers, my dad, his brother, and so many of my cousins and friends who have sacrificed so very much for our country. I will never be able to repay them for all that they have done.
Today as the service closed with the Honor Guard playing Taps, 21 white doves were released.........a symbol of what I pray for every day..........Peace.
To all of you, who have served, are currently serving, prayers for protection, prayers for peace........
hugs and love to you all..........and a great big Thank You.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
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Jilda- What a touching tribute to our vets. My husband will go out at 5:45 a.m. tomorrow morning, to help place flags along the main street of our little town.
ReplyDeletePeople come from all around to see the the way the town decorates with hundreds of flags, each lovingly placed by hand. Then they pick each one back up and store it until next time. :)
What a wonderful post. I can just imagine the overwhelming feeling when the doves were released. It's so nice that your town does this. My Dad served in WWII and my brothers in Vietnam. I'm so thankful to all who have served and continue to serve to keep our country safe.
ReplyDeleteOh Jilda, I just had to praise you for being so patriotic and full of service for our country's veterans. That is lovely that you were so emotion. I like to think of those tears as tears of gratitude. I always cry when I miss my loved ones who have passed on but they are not tears of loneliness but rather, of gratitude. Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day are great Days in November! (hug)
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