The oldies served in WWII. The husband and his brother served in Vietnam. I think we forget to remind children and grandchildren of this sacrifice.
If you were able to go to your house of worship without government intervention, you should thank a veteran.
If you cast your vote in the election last week without fear of repercussion, thank a veteran.
If you feel free to fly a flag or burn a flag without going to prison, thank a veteran.
If you own a gun or would spend your life trying to rid the world of guns -- that is your right. Thank a veteran.
If you get into a political conversation over lunch or in a taxi, you need not fear. You're entitled to your opinion. Someone fought and many died for your right to free speech. Thank a veteran.
On election day, I voted and then started my routine errands. In my usual hurry, I nearly collided with an African American man trying to maneuver his cane and the shopping cart. (I'm a sucker for oldies) We were both wearing our "I Vote, I Count" stickers. Somehow, we ventured into a conversation about military experience. Turns out he was in the army during WWII. He whipped out his wallet to show me photos.
I said, "I have many people in my family who are like you."
He said, "Black people?"
I said, "Probably ... but I really meant people who have served our country."
Tuesday is Veteran's Day. I salute all of those who fought for our rights.
Showing posts with label WWII. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WWII. Show all posts
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The Old Man and The Sea
I am no Hemmingway. But, I do know and love an old man. He has a lot of experience with the sea.
Did you know that fire can still surround you even if you're under water? The Captain experienced this being shot down during WWII. (I think the Belle was his reward.)
Just in case anyone is confused about how young these men and women are when we send them off to defend our country, meet the Captain.
Monday, July 2, 2007
The First Time
Take your mind out of the gutter -- I'm not talking about THAT first time. I'm talking about the first time you just knew in your heart and soul that This Is The One.
The oldies have a magical story. He was shot down in WWII and seriously injured. She was an army nurse who tended to him, talked to him and literally nursed him back to health. They had three dates and married in a style that has only been duplicated by the royal family.
I met the husband because my boss at the time asked me to track him down for a business situation. There was no Internet but I'm diligent and I did find him. He came to town and I found him arrogant, but intriguing. A few years later, we were sitting near each other at an advertising function. Later that week, we met for a drink. Somewhere in that evening, I knew.
I prefer the drama and the classiness of the oldies' story. You've got melodrama with the war. You've got officers and people who behaved like ladies and gentlemen. They both swear they knew immediately that This Was The One. My little ol' romantic heart finds some magic in that statement. Even when they're getting on my nerves.
The oldies have a magical story. He was shot down in WWII and seriously injured. She was an army nurse who tended to him, talked to him and literally nursed him back to health. They had three dates and married in a style that has only been duplicated by the royal family.
I met the husband because my boss at the time asked me to track him down for a business situation. There was no Internet but I'm diligent and I did find him. He came to town and I found him arrogant, but intriguing. A few years later, we were sitting near each other at an advertising function. Later that week, we met for a drink. Somewhere in that evening, I knew.
I prefer the drama and the classiness of the oldies' story. You've got melodrama with the war. You've got officers and people who behaved like ladies and gentlemen. They both swear they knew immediately that This Was The One. My little ol' romantic heart finds some magic in that statement. Even when they're getting on my nerves.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Foot in Mouth Disease
I have a big mouth. Somehow, my brain is short-circuited and things come out of me that haven't yet been edited by my brain cells. I am opinionated.
The oldies are southern and genteel. Not me! I am kind and generous but I could probably out-curse a sailor when I'm angry. (I never do this to the oldies, only the husband.)
Lately, I've been suggesting things the father-in-law might do. This is a man who was shot down as a pilot in WWII. He went on to become a successful engineer. I've suggested volunteering for businesses that might use his expertise. I've suggested writing (or creating audio tapes) for each of the grandchildren to get a feel for his life. Now, I've been shot down.
Apparently, I'm annoying. He doesn't want to do any more than wait for his wife to fry something up. Eat it. Fall asleep in a chair or their bedroom. Repeat. Repeat. I've been asked to stop proposing these ideas. I offered to get books on tape. No, thank you.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if they had something to look forward to beyond going to the doctor or going to the warehouse store? As the mother-in-law explained to me, her job is to take care of him. She would love to play cards, visit people, etc. but she can't because she's tethered to him. She thinks our lifestyle of doing things together and separately is wrong.
She loves to tell the story of packing up four young boys, a picnic basket, candles, etc. and showing up at her husband's office. To quote, "That's the only way the boys could have dinner with their daddy." In my mind, that's sort of sick and manipulative. My husband would kick me out of there so fast that I would be air born. If he's working, let him work. Isn't that why he's still there?
The oldies are southern and genteel. Not me! I am kind and generous but I could probably out-curse a sailor when I'm angry. (I never do this to the oldies, only the husband.)
Lately, I've been suggesting things the father-in-law might do. This is a man who was shot down as a pilot in WWII. He went on to become a successful engineer. I've suggested volunteering for businesses that might use his expertise. I've suggested writing (or creating audio tapes) for each of the grandchildren to get a feel for his life. Now, I've been shot down.
Apparently, I'm annoying. He doesn't want to do any more than wait for his wife to fry something up. Eat it. Fall asleep in a chair or their bedroom. Repeat. Repeat. I've been asked to stop proposing these ideas. I offered to get books on tape. No, thank you.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if they had something to look forward to beyond going to the doctor or going to the warehouse store? As the mother-in-law explained to me, her job is to take care of him. She would love to play cards, visit people, etc. but she can't because she's tethered to him. She thinks our lifestyle of doing things together and separately is wrong.
She loves to tell the story of packing up four young boys, a picnic basket, candles, etc. and showing up at her husband's office. To quote, "That's the only way the boys could have dinner with their daddy." In my mind, that's sort of sick and manipulative. My husband would kick me out of there so fast that I would be air born. If he's working, let him work. Isn't that why he's still there?
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