I just ironed my dress white jumper. My daughter is wearing it for the Veterans Day concert later. It made me think of all the times I've worn it and my Dixie cup...
Life is interesting. Of all the people you know who are unlikely to have served in the military, I would probably be fairly high on the list. I joined when I was 17, about the age that my son is now. My parents had to sign a waiver, and I left two weeks after I graduated. My mother was so sad she couldn't go to the airport. I didn't realize how much I had affected her until I had my own kids. She wasn't mad or disappointed. Quite the contrary. But having her son leave was a hard thing.
I am proud of my service. After a few months in San Diego and then in Port Hueneme, I served in Salt Lake at the reserve center and later in Michigan after my mission. I had many wonderful experiences and met some very interesting people, experiences and people I'd never have known were it not for my time.
And, of course, I am proud to have served the Country I love. America is the greatest country on earth, in the history of the earth. I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Even though I was only 17, I feel that I knew the import of what I was doing, and was - am! - prepared to give my life in that defense. I am grateful for the chance to serve.
I am also grateful for those who have and continue to sacrifice so much for our Country. My grandfather served in WWII, and my brother continues to serve. It's not an easy thing, even if you don't serve in active combat (which my brother has done). The complete extents of the incredible individual sacrifices will never be known. But collectively, the impact is very obvious and lasting - a legacy of valor and honor and freedom that will last forever.
Life is interesting. Of all the people you know who are unlikely to have served in the military, I would probably be fairly high on the list. I joined when I was 17, about the age that my son is now. My parents had to sign a waiver, and I left two weeks after I graduated. My mother was so sad she couldn't go to the airport. I didn't realize how much I had affected her until I had my own kids. She wasn't mad or disappointed. Quite the contrary. But having her son leave was a hard thing.
I am proud of my service. After a few months in San Diego and then in Port Hueneme, I served in Salt Lake at the reserve center and later in Michigan after my mission. I had many wonderful experiences and met some very interesting people, experiences and people I'd never have known were it not for my time.
And, of course, I am proud to have served the Country I love. America is the greatest country on earth, in the history of the earth. I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Even though I was only 17, I feel that I knew the import of what I was doing, and was - am! - prepared to give my life in that defense. I am grateful for the chance to serve.
I am also grateful for those who have and continue to sacrifice so much for our Country. My grandfather served in WWII, and my brother continues to serve. It's not an easy thing, even if you don't serve in active combat (which my brother has done). The complete extents of the incredible individual sacrifices will never be known. But collectively, the impact is very obvious and lasting - a legacy of valor and honor and freedom that will last forever.
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