Its a matter of respect. While we may have eventually ceased to mourn the loss of someone we love, we remember them.
In the case of war casualties, it is important never to forget the loss and what these young men and women sacrificed for us.
My husband Tom is a Vietnam Veteran. He went through some things in the jungle that Im sure Ill never know. Some things he keeps to himself.
But he does remember the ” not-so-welcome home” the Vietnam vets received.
That is why exhibits like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall mean so much to him and as it should to all of us.
This week, it was my communitys privilege to host the traveling wall. I always visit the Wall whenever it is nearby. I always search for one name: Michael Allen Pogue.
With his flaming red hair and his great smile, Mike won us all as his friends. He was a part of our lives when we were teenagers. And then he went to war.
Like so many others, he was just a kid who was handed a rifle.
The day we learned that he was gone was a dark, heartbreaking day for sure.
So, this week I visited Mike.
Its a matter of respect, a time to remember the good times, and a time to be grateful.
I look at my life and I see I am blessed. I am blessed to be free; to be able to spend time with my family. I have these privileges because someone else sacrificed for me.
They sacrificed for all of us.
So Ill stand to salute our flag and stand and put my hand to my heart when I hear our National Anthem. I will not kneel, except when I am in prayer, and I will never turn my back on our flag.
Were a lucky bunch; we Americans. Its about time we stand up and be the proud nation we once were and should be again.
Tom often carries Vietnam Veteran memorial coins in his pocket. When he meets a fellow brother or sister, he gives them a coin in respect.
Thats right, its a matter of respect not expectation.
Thats what our parents taught us. Lets try to remember that and continue to pass it on to our kids and grandkids.
Life is good today. –