Posted on 11/11/2007 4:19:50 PM PST by Former Military Chick
As someone raised in a military family, I understand service to country. I followed in my father’s footsteps. I married a wonderful man, who also followed his father into military service. I am mindful of their sacrifices protecting this country.
Yet, I feel I cannot say “thank you” enough as we honor Veterans Day. My family is rich in military history, but I feel we do not thank those people enough who have given so much in wars past and present.
I often find myself in a unique situation to do so. It seems that when I am at Fort Leavenworth, waiting in the pharmacy, I am among some of the most amazing men and women. There are people currently protecting our country, and some who have served in Vietnam and even a few from World War II.
While most people are complaining about the wait at the pharmacy, I seize the opportunity to first give my place in line to the veterans. Why?
Well, we give our active-duty priority so that they can return to work. I feel we should be giving our veterans the same privilege any way that we can offer it.
The waiting area has a television that is usually set to a news station. Occasionally, a segment about the military and we all begin talking. It is a perfect way for me to ask our heroes about their military service, and their thoughts on the world today.
I find first that they are shocked someone would give them their place in line. They are equally bewildered that a stranger would engage them in conversation about their history. Within a few minutes, you can fill that bit of hunger for history from those who served the red, white and blue.
(Excerpt) Read more at kansascity.com ...
This is my tribute to Veterans.
Thank you for this article.
And God Bless and hold your Beloved!!
Thank you I will pass it along to my beloved.
Awwww, sweetie! Thanks. K.C. is my hometown.
Very nice.
Two days ago, in a used bookstore, I found one of Stephen Ambrose’s WWII history books called “Victory”*. The main reason I picked it up was a single sheet of handwritten paper inside the book, written by the original owner, correcting some of Mr. Ambrose’s statements. Among other things, the owner mentions that the majority of his high school class served in WWII and at least 109 of the school’s students were killed. I could have bought a new copy of the book in any bookstore; that piece of paper is irreplaceable.
*Since the book is still in my car I can’t give the full, correct title of the book; my apologies!
Thank you Former Military Chick.
Glad to hear you do this, chick-listening to vets is awesome, and giving up that place in line is a great practice (great picture, btw!). It can sometimes feel awkward, but what the hay, right?!
Joy, that book ‘find’ was a piece of treasure. Thank you for sharing it.
I found a post card with the Marine Corps Hymn from 1941. It is a treasure also! To think it might have been tossed...and what it must have meant to that mother to receive it.
Perhaps we could meet and visit the Leavenworth VA residents sometime?
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