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Monday, August 4, 2008
A chance to honor those who serve
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As I write this, I am sitting in the James A. Haley Veterans Administration Hospital in Tampa Bay, Fla. trying to get my mind off of my father’s surgery.
I’m focusing instead on my surroundings, particularly the people. I’m listening to their stories and think about their present situations and the lessons they teach us.
It is a reminder that we should all be proud of who we are and what we have accomplished. There are at least three people who are probably not as fortunate and who have worked harder and given up far more.
I have had considerable interaction with current soldiers and Vets my entire life whose eras of service range from World War II through Operation Iraqi Freedom and the war on terror in Afghanistan. I have a very clear understanding and deep appreciation for what was done and given up in the name of freedom.
I grew up listening to war stories from both my maternal grandfather and my father. My grandfather served in both World War II and the Korean War - in addition to almost every branch of the military (it’s a long story Ill share another time). Of course, there is my Dad who served in Vietnam in the US Army Company D, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (1966-67), and was wounded during battle and received a Purple Heart.
As I interact with these brave men, my thoughts turned to the countless soldiers currently serving and those whose lives were lost in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the recent tragedy of Snellville’s Cpl. Jon Ayers, and their families.
I had a - very, very dear friend - who served in Iraq. I know what it is to be a loved one safe here at home while a loved one is off in the midst of hell. I went out of my way to support that friend and sent off care packages as often as I could. I’ve had the sleepless nights, the nightmares, and the natural fear I might wake up to terrible news.
I will never forget that.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to deal directly with tragedy. Honestly, I am not sure I could handle it, but my heart goes out to those who have and will.
While I haven’t personally served in the military or experienced war, I’ve been surrounded buy several lifetimes of people who have. I listened to what they went through and what they had to say. They understood. I understood.
We, and generations yet to come, should all remember, honor, cherish and never take it for granted.
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