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Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thank You!

Today is Veteran's Day.  It's an important day to me.  Not because I am a Veteran, but because some of my favorite people were and are.

I've been to Iraq.  It's not a place I want to return anytime soon (though I am glad for the experience).  My husband went to Iraq twice and is in Afghanistan now.  My old Soldiers are in Iraq.  I have close friends who are in both conflicts currently.  One of the men I respect most in the world is a Vietnam Veteran. 

I think that everyone should know that, while deployed, Soldiers - and government contractors, American men and women, live in trailers (if they are lucky) and tents.  They eat meals ready to eat (food in plastic bags that are often eaten cold) or mass produced food in large fly infested cafeterias.  At times, they are shot at with many types of guns, rockets, and mortars.  Sometimes, they are struck by improvised explosive devices.  They are kept away from their families, the people they love the most in the world, for months to a year - or over.  Internet communication is limited, if it exists at all.  Sometimes, there is no access to phones.  Sometimes, on the worst of days, you lose a friend.  Then, after a short visit home, a kiss to a loved one, a trip to the mall and the movies, the Soldier's country asks her to go and do it all over again.

The other day, my Mom told me that most people that she works with have no idea what it is like for the deployed Soldier.  I can understand that.  I can understand being removed, not realizing, not knowing someone personally and so not feeling invested.  What I cannot understand is what she said next.  She said most of them don't care to know.  Not care?!  I must admit that, at this, I found myself fighting back tears.  Not care?!

I know I do not know the people my Mom was talking about but I most certainly do know the people they don't care about.  I took it personally because these people, if they die, they are not a number to me, they are not a coffin draped in a flag.  These people, to me, are: husband, father, best friend, brother, sister.  They are mothers and fathers of beautiful young babies.  They are extraordinary people with bright futures and big dreams.  I don't expect thanks.  I do ask, please, for a little respect.  Please, these people mean the world to me.  Care.

On the lighter side of Veteran's Day, thank you Chilis for my delicious and free salad! 

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8 comments:

Ameena said...

This post is a great way to remind us all that Veterans Day isn't just a school/bank holiday. I was just telling my mom that most of us totally miss the point of today, so thank you for reminding us.

mdforkids said...

Yes, a huge Thank You to our soldiers and Veterans. I cannot imagine. May your loved ones stay safe.

OurLittleBlessingS said...

Beautiful post. Loved your insight on it, because i, personally, do not know anyone over there fighting for our country. But i do respect everyone and their families who do, amd keep them in my prayers often.
Thank you for this post!
Jess

TheBabyMammaChronicles said...

Ameena, Melissa, and Jess thank you all so much for your thoughtful comments and support!

City Mom said...

Wow Khara,
I had no idea...but I'm not one that didn't care.

Thanks for shdeing some light on this for us! I'll include you and your family/friends on my "list".

xx

TheBabyMammaChronicles said...

Thank you so much for the prayers!

mypixieblog said...

This is a wonderful post and such an important reminder. I admit that I don't know any soldiers, but that doesn't mean that I don't care for their well-being or that I don't feel a deep pang of sadness when I hear of a life ended too young. I'm glad that you posted this and that you bring it to such a personal level. Because as you said: these are mothers/fathers/sisters/brothers/husbands/wives, etc. And what they do is selfless.

I also wanted to take the time to personally stopping by my blog on my SITS day and for leaving such a sweet comment. It's taken me awhile to make my rounds but I haven't forgotten :) Hope you're enjoying your weekend.

Unknown said...

I cannot believe people would say they don't care to know what a soldier's life is like... that is atrocious. I would like to think the vast majority of people do hold great respect for all those people - the mothers, the fathers, the brothers, sisters, and friends - who are out fighting for their country. I know I sure do.

 
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