Memorial Day

I am sitting here trying to absorb just what Memorial Day means to me and I don't think I can grasp it completely, or at least put it into words.

I have known some wonderful people that have served our country, Granddaddy, Uncle Max, Uncle BB....these are just a few of them that are no longer with us, this list goes on and on as does the list of my friends and family members that are still serving. I wonder if we, as a nation, have lost sight of what today really means.  I see posts on FB "Today isn't just about BBQs, Thank you to all the military men and women" etc but, it makes me wonder if these were passing thoughts posted quickly while running out the door with a cooler in hand to the nearest party.  Do you actually sit down and reflect on today and its meaning?  Whether you agree with the wars of yesterday, today, or tomorrow, these men and women truly do deserve to be respected and honored, everyday........


I still have an immense amount of pride when I see my husband put on his uniform every day.  I love seeing his posture change when he puts on his Blues, it gives me chills.  I love when I see a group of fresh faces at the BX, their excitement is contagious.  I love that our local High School constructed a wonderful memorial on its lawn called "The Arlington Project".  We went to see Avengers today and afterwards, we stopped and walked around the memorial, it was amazing.  I got tears as we were leaving and said just a very simple "Thank you for what you do" to Michael before getting in the car.  After all, that's all I can do, say thank you as sincerely as I possibly can because I mean it with all my heart. 

If you have ever put on a military uniform or plan to one day, I thank you with all that I am. 


"I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the glory of their death. They died unquestioning, uncomplaining, with faith in their hearts, and on their lips the hope that we would go on to victory. Always for them: Duty, Honor, Country. Always their blood, and sweat, and tears, as they saw the way and the light" ~ General Douglas MacArthur



Thanks,

from Heather

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Today is a special day for military spouses, the appreciation for what we sacrifice, the acknowledgement that our lives are meaningful,  it's our day to sit back and let the love fill us up.  While I appreciate the sentiments, everyday should be "Spouse Appreciation Day", not just military and not one specific day, just as Mother's Day and Father's Day should be a 365 day event, so should today.

I will, however, step on my soap box for just a moment.  I love my job as a military wife!  I love my husband!  I love the United States Air Force!  I love my country!   I love the opportunities the AF has given us.  I love the people I've met, the amazing places I've lived, and the education I have received.  I also realize my family has paid a price for the lives we lead.  My children do not know their extended families very well.  We miss birthdays, Christmases, anniversaries, funerals, and other momentous events but I wouldn't change it for anything.  One day, I will look back and evaluate my life and I don't think I will have any regrets. 

Military spouses are tough!  We are resilient!.  We are fighters!  We worry, we cry, we get scared, we get angry, but we get over it!  We wake up everyday with a determination to protect our children from the pain they face daily in the absence of a parent.  We are proud!  We don't ask why...we know why, it is a calling our husband/wife answered willingly. 

I am proud to be who I am, representing the quiet forces that stand behind our men and women in uniform.  I appreciate the shout out and a day to celebrate and receive a bit of praise but, I don't need it.  Today is just another day, just as yesterday and tomorrow but I am thankful. 

So, to mark today, I would like to let all my military wives/husbands know that I am thinking about you today, I know what you have sacrificed.  I know how you feel.  I love you!

Thanks,

From Heather