[Spotlight Post] For All Those Who Served
Originally published at Rhonda Eudaly. You can comment here or there.
Monday is November 11th. In the US, that’s Veteran’s Day. And though it’s still a few days away, today I’m going to spotlight them. I have had - and still have - so many family, friends, and colleagues who’ve made the sacrifice to serve in the military in their country of origin.
The Scarborough Veterans Parade - Memorial Day 2013
I have a great deal of respect and admiration to those who chose to serve our military - I know in many other countries (and ours for the longest time) they had no choice - because they made a conscious decision to stand in the line of fire if needed. Anyone who’s made that commitment has - for whatever reason - has to deal with so much more than any of us know.
Several weeks ago, I highlighted Songwriting With Soldiers. For those of us who haven’t served, we can’t begin to fathom what these men and women go through - whether they serve on home soil or in a hot zone - the songs this organization puts together helps us get the tiniest glimpse of what our service people deal with - and not just from the people on the other side of the firing line, but at home as well.
I don’t care why people join the military - at least in the US - whether it’s to escape a bad home situation or to pay for college or a sense of patriotic duty. I’m just glad they do - especially after seeing the less than honorable treatment many of our returning veterans have received. Because, even though I haven’t served, I know that’s only because someone else DID. Someone else made it possible for me to have the home and family I have. The ability to leave my house and have a job and a life without having to seek permission or escort by a male relative - or to protest the erosion of rights - is all because someone in a uniform fought to keep our country free to make its mistakes.
So, yes, I support the military. Whether it’s through Toys for Tots, baking cookies (and other assorted desserts), sometimes sending books overseas, or buying the occasional cup of coffee - it matters. Because THEY MATTER, and none of them hear it nearly as much as they should.
THANK YOU. EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU WHO HAVE OR ARE CURRENTLY SERVING.