Veterans Day has great meaning for me. I have a deep gratitude for those who have served and are presently serving in our military. For those who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their life I have a sacred respect. My father served in the army during WWII and was part of the D-Day invasion on Normandy Beach. He and his unit stormed Omaha Beach and he lost his leg when he stepped on a German landmine. He was always so proud that he was able to serve his country during this horrific time in the history of the world. He always got tears in his eyes when he saw the flag or heard the national anthem. Because my father was active in the Disabled American Veteran’s Association, each Veteran’s Day our family would sell forget-me-nots. They were small paper flowers that you could wear on your lapel to show respect. My father has been gone for 10 years now but I still can see him in my mind giving me and my brothers a bunch of forget-me-nots to sell on the corners in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Poppies are also a flower used to remember.
Liz, thanks for the opportunity to share this memory. I lost my Dad earlier this year. So, the upcoming Veteran’s Day will be a tender experience for me. My Dad also served in Europe during WWII. He was in the Battle of the Bulge, and served in his unit as a tank driver and mechanic. About 20 years ago, a young man in Belgium contacted my Dad (after a few years of searching to find him) to let him know he had found Dad’s dog tags. This young man wanted to thank Dad for his service and sacrifice (Dad was wounded in Belgium). They established a correspondence that went on for a few years. My father was a shy man, and didn’t make friends quickly or easily, so this long distance friendship with a young man he never met in person was unique. I will look at the few remaining WWII veterans who will be honored this Veteran’s day, and remember my Dad, and the others who served with him in that war, as well as those who served in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other areas where our troops have been and are in harm’s way – and be grateful for their amazing service and sacrifice. Thanks, again, Liz, for the opportunity to stop and remember and give thanks.
Sherry, thanks for sharing your tender memories. I know you feel a pride in your father’s service. What a great legacy he left for his children & grandchildren.
I am very proud of my country and I love that my father and both grandfathers proudly served their country. I am thankful for my freedom and I am grateful for all of our servicemen and woman that keep us safe and protect us. I love the USA.. and I teach my children to love it too and to honor those who have served us! My children are lucky to each have their middles names be someone who I loved dearly that served our country and I get excited to teach them who these men were and what they did for us!!!
Callee, thanks for your comment. It’s great that you are passing on that love for your country and those who serve and protect it to you children.
Chère Lizzie,
Un petit mot de France pour vous dire comme je suis reconnaissante à tous les hommes, de tous pays, qui sont venus pour libérer mon pays. Merci, un si petit mot pour une reconnaissance éternelle. Jamais ils ne seront oubliés.
bisous de France
Brigitte
Dear Lizzie, A small word of France to say to you as I am grateful to all the men(people), of any countries, who came to free(release) my country. Thank you, a so small word for an eternal gratitude(recognition). Never they will be forgotten.
Kiss of France
Brigitte
my english is not very good, excuse-me.
Brigitte, thank you for your comment. It’s nice to hear from someone in France. I hope to get there someday to visit.