Her son, my grandfather, had been buried there decades earlier, and my father has the right to be buried there as well. I've got cousins who have earned their place, too. Honestly, if I told you about my family, it would be like that scene in Forest Gump, where Forest traces the line of Lt. Dan's pride back, war by war. For a pacifist, I've sure got a lot of guns in my history.
The point is, that we all know it takes a special kind of person to stand up for what they believe, especially in the face of adversity. But it takes a special kind of hero to fight for the beliefs and rights of people they have never met. To go out in a time of active war and put their life on the line not just for the other people in their unit, but for the friends and family back home. For the family and friends they've not yet had a chance to meet.
To often, we forget those heroes, or blame them for starting a war they never asked for, but put their heart and soul into finishing. This weekend is Memorial Day over here in the States, a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to their country. It is also a chance to thank all of our service members for their hard work and sacrifice.
Thank you.
And for stopping by today, I've got a contest for you!
Follow us on Twitter (@EratoGLBT) or with Google Friend Connect to enter for your chance to win ANY MUSA BOOK OF YOUR CHOICE. Follow both and get two entries! Not bad, huh? Remember to leave a comment with how you entered and your email so I know you've entered!
And don't forget to check out all the other blogs on this weekend's hop!
That was a lovely sentiment Elizabeth. Your Gran sounds like my Aunt Gloria...made me think of her right away, thank you for the memory. And, yes. Soldiers go where they must, some go in spite of separate beliefs, but nonetheless, they go and do what they can to maintain until they might get home again. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed this post, Liz!
ReplyDeleteGfc Andrea Wardlow
ReplyDeleteandieleah78@gmail.com
There is nothing like military honors at a funeral...at my dads I was never more proud than when they gave me his flag!!!! RIP Dad
Wonderful post, Liz. The Forrest Gump movie reel is now playing in my head. Great giveaway. Any Musa book of your choice -- I think I would be paralyzed with indecision! So many great books!!
ReplyDeleteNice post!
ReplyDeleteHave followed you on Twitter.
Cheryl Rhodes
appytails@telus.net
Yep, all military, past and present deserve our recognition. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post and tribute. :)
ReplyDeleteI have/had family in the military as well and never truly appreciated what our servicemen and women do and have done for all of us until my brother went into the Army. This is not to say that I was not already a proud American, but it just made me understand more of what our soldiers sacrifice on a regular basis. I thank the ones that I know and the ones that I will never meet. :)
Thank you for sharing.
GFC ~ Tina B
Twitter ~ @trb0917
trb0917 at gmail.com