Thank A Veteran Today
I have fond memories of running errands with my dad and singing armed forces songs that he sang when he was in the army, specifically the calvary. Songs that were strong in cadence and frankly just plain fun for a little girl of 8-9 years of age.
My parents had a diaper service in the 60’s in Rome, Italy. Sometimes, moms would run out of diapers and call in distress. So my dad and I would make special deliveries. It was always so much fun to use maps (no GPS, folks) to find our moms and sing the songs that brought such pride to my dad.
Oh, how we belted out those tunes! From Anchors Away, Off We Go into the Wild Blue Yonder to The Caissons Go Rolling Along we sang our way through the busy streets of Rome and sang in joyful spirit to those that served.
I didn’t think much beyond the fun and sad to say I don’t remember many of the lyrics but the sweetness of those days warms my heart and helps me hold hope for our future.
These days, the reality of our men and women serving in the country puts fear, pain and loss in our minds and prayers in our heart. And in a land that has so much division we must take a page out of the past and remember the plethora of things that make this country great. While we are a diverse population we all want peace and it is this desire that unites us in sharing and caring for one another. Regardless of our differences, or in the particular armed forces you may have served or serve, we must “Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Take a moment this day and remember those that died or were injured physically and emotionally so that we might live in the land of the free because of the brave. Thank a veteran, phone them, buy them a meal or reach across the isle and say thank you for your service.
Here is The Armed Force Medley from West Point Academy and the Tabernacle Choir. Enjoy1