…these
stones are to be a memorial to the
people
of Israel forever. Joshua 4:7
The call came on a sunny South Georgia
afternoon—my mom’s voice hesitant but clear. “Richard Gilbert was killed.” Vietnam!
I still shudder when I think about those years and remember.
In Biblical times, men sat stones of
remembrance to memorialize important places and events. In America’s Civil War
times, women began decorating the graves of their war dead. Today we build
monuments on a grand scale and continue to decorate the graves of those fallen
in battle. It is imperative that we do not forget those who have served our
country and preserved our freedom.
In an era when any small act of kindness
seems to gain hero status, our true heroes are often neglected and forgotten.
Veterans struggle to get their much needed benefits under an inefficient
governmental system. Some hang their heads in shame and sorrow tormented by the
things we have asked them to do for America—in the name of and for the cause of
freedom. Some walk the streets; homeless and challenged by both physical and
mental reminders of their days in battle.
When it comes to veterans, I am unashamedly
prejudice. My father fought in WWII, my brother—a veteran, my husband—a
veteran, uncles, cousins and friends—veterans. So today I salute my American
heroes—men and women who continue to serve our great nation in every branch of our
Armed Forces.
In 1915, after reading a poem about
Flanders Field, Moina Michael penned her own words:
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on field where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
I am proud to be an American, and I thank
our veterans for their sacrifice. I salute our American heroes and thank you
for the freedom you continue to provide our nation. To God be the glory!
©JP
2013
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