This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis
There are two holidays that mean more to me than any other. Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
These are days to set aside whatever thoughts and opinions you may have on the current war in the Middle East and honor and respect all those that have served and especially those that paid the ultimate price.
It was almost 40 years ago that my Father served a 13 month tour in Vietnam. I remember watching the news almost daily wondering if my Dad was OK, and my Mom assuring me he was and that he’d be home soon. It was tough on an 8 year old kid (and his Mother). But it was tougher on my Father.
Thanks Dad, and to all the others that have ever served. Your sacrifices are appreciated.
Here are a few short video clips that express my feelings better than I can write them:
A soldier comes home from Iraq and surprises his 6 year old son. If this doesn’t make you weepy, something isn’t right:
The best commercial ever:
Visit AmericaSupportsYou.mil to send a message of support to our troops:
Melanie Dekker’s Fall in / Wounded Soldier:
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you Jay. We have a great country with great people who are held up, and supported by their families. I believe the families serve this country in what they go through - waiting.
I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be without my Father for a year, and not really know for sure that he would come home. Especially at that young age.
Thank you for your service, and thank your Father for his service to our country.
May God bless you and yours!
As a Veteran of the Gulf War I understand the feelings of these families and the lack of information and just not knowing where there loved ones are and how they are doing at any given time. It was worth it though, because it was the best time in my life, and it is where I was taught to be a man.
I am so glad you posted those. It puts some persepective on things. When I watch the first two clips, two feelings come over me. Such pride for having a country that always keeps churning out the best military in the world, and brave folks who serve in it, willingly. And such conmtempt (to put it nicely) for those in this country (and other free nations), that only denigrate and undermine the efforts and progress our service men and women are trying to make. I can only hope that when veterans come home, through an airport terminal or elsewhere, that they will receive a welcome from civilians, like that in the commercial.
Enjoy Your Veterans Day!
-Robert
Jay - What a profound post, the best I read for Veterans Day! The tears of the child are a reminder of what each of the families who have a loved one in the service must face each day their loved one is away.
While, we at home, enjoy our freedom amd our family, our servicemen and women are out there everyday, standing guard, so we may.
A wonderful tribute, Jay!
Your choice of videos are awesome, touching and very effective in communicating what you wish to. I was moved.
Jay great post and incredible videos.
We are forever in debt to our soldiers and thankful for what they’ve done and continue you to do.