With a daughter in the military for almost 8 years now, I've had the opportunity to meet so many young men and women who serve. If you ask me, they may very well be our "Greatest Generation". I am not taking away from those brave and heroic people who served us in WWII. They didn't hesitate and didn't stop until the job was done. They do not need to prove themselves to anyone.
But the difference I see is that today's military is all volunteer. There is no draft, they don't have to put their lives on hold to serve. They do so because they choose to do so. There is something deep within that calls to them and they answer. Whenever, wherever.
Wish you could be on a base (especially on foreign soil) when the flag is raised or lowered. Each morning and each evening, the National Anthem is played and everything stops. It doesn't matter if you're near a flag or not. It doesn't matter if you're on duty or not. It only matters that the symbol of who we are is being honored. People stop talking, walking, driving, eating, laughing, playing...and stand at attention. If you are out of doors, this is not only expected, it's required.
Those that I have met make me so proud. They don't shirk their duty but perform it daily, even in the midst of adversity (both foreign and DOMESTIC). They do so with love, with dignity and with pride. Next time you happen to meet someone in uniform take a moment and shake their hand, maybe even give them a hug. They don't expect it but you can bet your bottom dollar that they'll love it...and so will you.
No comments:
Post a Comment