Usually, we each write a post for Memorial Day. This year everything is up in the air. We've had some changes. Lisa is adjusting to her new life and her new schedule, Colonel Hunt has departed for bigger and better things and I am flat out with kids and work and trying to get my act together before I officially become old on Tuesday.
I sat and thought for a long time about what I wanted to write and no one thing jumped out at me. This Memorial Day is a jumble of thoughts, so that is what you are getting.
I am up early to take my kids to the parade. This year was unique in that I wasn't going to go. I have lunch plans with a friend from college and thought that I would skip it--except my kids won't let me. It's Memorial Day, they told me. It's important to go and say thank you and honor the soldiers, Mom. Every now and then, the stuff you do right comes back to bite you in the butt. :o)
Yesterday, on my way out of the grocery store, I tried to sneak by the two teenagers sitting there collecting money for what I assumed was some sports thing. I heard them ask the lady behind me if she wanted to donate a dollar to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I turned around and went back to buy my poppies. They thanked me for my donation and gave my poppies for my kids and I. I wondered where the veterans were and why it was these disinterested kids doing the poppy thing. It's not like we are short on Vets...
My 9 year old has recently developed that 9 year old fascination with soldiers and war and killing the bad guys. I assume it would have happened even if we weren't currently at war. Young men doing amazing things is always fascinating. My Dad told him the story of how my Grandfather was wounded at the Battle of Metz and captured by the Germans. Eventually, he found his way home with a bum arm and a purple heart. I had never heard the story of how my Papa was wounded.
The Marines under in investigation for criminal acts in Haditha are on my mind lately. I am shocked and appalled and outraged...and heartbroken. Obviously, there can be no excuse for what they are accused of doing but there can be understanding. An impossible job in impossible circumstances...media reports say they were on their third tour...friends blown apart in front of you...constant fear that you will be next...a war where the enemy looks the same as the people you are trying to help...all of this...I think of the things we ask these young men and women to do and the price they pay for it. I think of the missing limbs and the scars we don't see.
I am thankful for our soldiers, impressed by my grandfather's service, proud that my son recognizes some of the great things our military does and saddened for the things that happen to our soldiers as a result of wars. I'm hopeful that one day none of it will be necessary but expect that it always will...
Say thanks to a soldier today. Say a prayer for them. Remember the fallen. Happy Memorial Day.
Chris
