A Salute to our Heroes

…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