Have You Hugged A Vet Today?
Well, have you? If you can't physically embrace a veteran at the moment, reach out with an email or a phone call and let them know you care.
I know of a local family who was celebrating the return of their loved one from Iraq this weekend. Driving out to school to pick up Little Dude, I spied a technicolor sign attached to a street sign. It said, "Welcome Back From Iraq! We Missed You!" Indeed, welcome back.
Little Dude and I are sitting here watching a Band Of Bloggers, which features our own Doc in the Box, Sean. It's been a real eye opener for LD to hear the actual stories from someone he knows. Yeah, he's heard some before, but this has been much more vivid because he's seeing Sean -- and all our military friends -- in a different light because of the similarity in the stories he's hearing all gathered in one place.
Recently, LD had his great aunt and uncle visit his class at school. Both are retired Marines. It was a rare opportunity for most of the s to hear about the WACS and the WAVES, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the life of a drill instructor. Real people, real history. How many of us ever really get a chance like that?
Like so many of our friends, our lives have been deeply touched by those who serve, have served, and their families. Thankfully, we know more veterans who are still alive and that's something we don't ever take for granted. None of us should. Too many families can't say that. And yet, they maintain their pride in the service of their beloved and for their own sacrifices. Yes, the families give much while their loved ones are often far from home. It's not easy and we should never forget this.
Thank a vet today. Tomorrow. The day after that. Do it every day. They deserve at least that much from us, don't you think?