Friday, March 27, 2009

Take a writing break and remember...

I was taking a breather today, and watched an old episode of "7th Heaven." They were honoring the men and women who fight and give the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It reminded me that I have not lately given thanks for those brave folks.

It's always good, I believe, to stop periodically, and honor the sacrifice of the men and women in the United States Armed Forces. I have never been in the military, but my father, grandfather and husband were. I have a deep sense of pride about our country, and am awed by those in the military.

I always cry at the National Anthem, and just thinking of those I know who are currently serving makes my chest tight, and I have a hard time talking. Sounds kinda silly, doesn't it? But, there it is. When the military holidays and dates come up, I watch the ceremonies on television, and wonder what is going to happen when all those die who have witnessed the conflicts our country has been involved in in the past.

Are we going to forget? Are we going to fail to honor those who have passed on? Will we remember the awful bombings at Pearl harbor that drew us into WWII? What about Korea, and Vietnam? Do we recall our military personnel who fought in those conflicts, including the first Gulf war? And, of course, we must support our current military as they engage in conflicts around the globe.

So now I remember the reason I have the freedoms I have here in America. My great American novel is not going to be suppressed by a socialist government, and neither will yours. Take a moment, to reflect, to give thanks, and to thank God for the freedoms we have in our great country. Not all countries are as fortunate.

3 comments:

Bob Sanchez said...

Katie,
I share your pride in America, and I love the sight of our flag. Being American is about much more than symbols, though. It's also how we live as citizens every day.

Bob Sanchez
http://bobsanchez1.blogspot.com

Connie Arnold said...

Thank you for this reminder, Katie! I too am so thankful for those in the military and the freedoms we have. My father was a WWII veteran, and my husband was in Vietnam and, like you, I am very touched by those things you mention. Thanks for your post!

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

I too had a father who served during WW II and retired after 30 years in the Navy and a husband who was a Marine in Vietnam. I am proud of them and all the other men and women who have served or are still serving America.

Jane Kennedy Sutton
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/