As I mature (“grow older”), this holiday in America, celebrated at the end of May, means more and more to me. I continue to meet men and women who have served in our armed forces and have lived to share their stories with others.
My uncle, my dad’s older brother Jim, served during World War II. He was a gunner in the Air Force on a B17 bomber. He operated the guns at the side doors as they flew over twenty missions.
Don’s uncle Roy was a mechanic in WWII and worked on tanks. Eventually, they made him a tank commander. He had two tanks shot out from under him. He shared with Don and me one evening, but never again, about the horrors he endured. If you have ever seen the movie “Fury” with Brad Pitt, you will see that he commanded one of our tanks.
Don’s dad served in occupied Germany and then in the Korean War. He was a Master Sergeant and considered a sharpshooter. If you have ever seen the movie “Big Red One,” that was what he did. They would go ahead of the troops to ensure the villages were clear and safe.
We have two dear friends who served during the Vietnam War. And a neighbor who was a former Navy Seal. My husband was fortunate – while attending college during the Vietnam War, he got a number five in the next draft. Luckily, the war ended for the U.S. on January 27, 1973, and all troops returned home by March 29th. Don went on to finish college.
Patriotism’s definition is loyalty, devotion, love, and defense of one’s country. Over the last few years, I feel there has been a decline in patriotism. Growing up in the 1960s, the first part of each day in the classroom began with reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem. We all felt like we were a part of a large country and proud of it. We learned about the complicated challenges the first citizens had, the conflicts and battles, and the loss of life to come to America and have freedom of religion.
As this holiday comes and goes, I hope we can all come together and remember what a great and free country we live in. Go beyond that; see what you might do for your country. President John F. Kennedy famously spoke in his inaugural address on January 20, 1961, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
To all the veterans and to all those presently serving in the military, a heartfelt THANK YOU for your service.
Have a safe holiday.
All my best,
Julie