Veterans Day Rembered
Wow!What a busy day!I had several metings.I looked at several properties and came home to my wife,my dog and cat. I have a pretty good life and I,like so many,am spoiled.
However as I sit and relax I can”t help but think,with a great deal of conviction,that the reason for my lifestyle is that our military men and women have made it possible.I also think about the amazing men and women who are fighting for others freedom around the world.They are not sleeping in comfy beds or watching TV while sitting on their recliners.They are sleeping on the ground with their constant companion,their weapon.I think too of all the brave military men and women who have given their lifes for us.Prehaps,worse yet are the ones who come home with limbs missing and severe mental disorders.When my brother in law,Lee,returned to the states from 3 tours of duty in Viet Nam he was never the same and only lived a short time.
One of the regrets of my life has been that I was never in the military.When I was 20 years old I was drafted,only to find out they wouldn’t take me because I was married.After my rejection I tried to enlist in the US Airforce,but was turned down again due to maritial status.
Everytime I hear someone put down our service people I want to set them straight and let them know that their freedom of speech is protected by the brave men and women in uniform.
Whenever I see a military person,weather in an airport or anyplace else I make it a point to thank them for their service.When I do this I personally become very emotional,sometimes to the point of tears,knowing the sacrifice they are making.I encourage you to go out of your way to thank a vet.
Please keep all vets both active and retired in your daily prayers.
In closing I ask that we do our part to continue to
make America the greatest country the world has ever known.
Have a great mid week.
God Bless
Hal
PS I would like to ask you to please keep in your thoughts and prayers the grand son of some special friends of ours.Kevin Vaughn is a sharp young man in his 20s serving in the US Marines.We are very proud of him!!
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Hi Hal,
I’ve always been reluctant to put my thoughts and feelings into print…the transparancy is rather like a persons eyes - a window to one’s soul. Once you express an opinion, you are seldom allowed to deviate from it - at least in the court of public scrutiny. But here goes anyway - It’s strange to me how as the years pass, our perspective and perceptions change and evolve. When we’re young we’re mostly idealistic with liberal tendenancy’s - we mostly want to do things for the right reason, though youth does tend to be very narsacistic. We don’t see the big picture, nor can we see the consequences of our actions. How could we? We don’t have the wisdom or the experience that having lived a full life can give us. You also said you don’t want to make this a political forum, but it’s hard to take the politics out when you speak of the military. When we elect a commander and chief who has the authority to send our young men and women into harms way, I, for one, want to have respect for that person, not just the office - secure in knowing that if my son were called into action - if he lost his life, it would not be in vain. In 1969, I joined the Navy and served my country during the Vietnam War. Mine was a walk in the park compared to most others who served. But my Dad didn’t worry any less - He had served as a bomber pilot during the Koran War - he knew first hand the potential hazzards of war. During my 4 years, I don’t remember giving it much thought at all - it was just my job. My perspective now is much different than it was then. In closing let me say: God Bless our Country - God Bless our young men and women who serve - where ever they are and in whatever capacity their serving and Hal - God Bless you! You may not have served in the Military, but you have served your fellow men and women and your community in so many countless ways and you have touched peoples lives with optimism and good cheer - Stay safe and be well my friend! Merry Christmas!!!
Jim Hawley
ps - if I do write again…I’ll try not to be so verbose!