In Honor of Our Veterans

How wonderful to know that the citizens of the United States of America realize the worth and sacrifice of our military men and women. On facebook and on blogs all over, every day women and men are thanking our armed forces for their actions and willingness to protect this great country of ours. It wasn't always this way.

My father was a veteran of both Korea and Vietnam. It's a terrible shame the Vietnam vets came home to such hate and ridicule. My father fought some very tough battles, and saw and experienced things we will never know the horror of. I was 11 when he returned and didn't realize how very blessed we were that he did. Return that is, as so many didn't.  

My Dad even documented his tour of duty with photos he had made into slides. This time for him was so important, and so life changing, that he would bring those slides out periodically, and share them with his family. When we were young, we just sort of shook our heads and endured them, but after his death in 2005, we longed for that time of reflection. He would tell us the stories of what happened to his company, who was killed, who was maimed, who made it back in one piece. If anyone who comes back from war ever really comes back in one piece. They are forever changed, and it never leaves them no matter how old they get.

Now there are both women and men suffering, leaving behind families who love and depend on them. I suppose there will always be war. But at least in this time in history, we will salute and honor them. I wish to thank all those who have or are currently serving in the military. Thank you for your sacrifice and your willingness to go in my place, to protect my freedom and liberty.

Let us not forget those who fought in the American Revolution. If not for them, we would be living under the rule of another country. How blessed we are to be living in the United States of American. God Bless the USA!

In memory of 1st Sgt Arn J. Brown, USMC. 1934-2005

Semper Fi

I miss you Daddy.