Today I want to honor and say thank you to the Veterans of this country, past and present. You are heroes, and we are a grateful nation. I also want to say a special thank you to two Veterans who have been important influences my life. My father, George Bucholz, served in the Merchant Marines. I heard many stories of his travels through the Philippines as a young man during the war, working his way up to Captain of his boat. My friend, Dan Lauria, went to Vietnam and served in the Marines. Today he serves in a different way, as a brilliant actor and also as a writer. His Letters of Protest on his FB page hold the mirror up to all of us, Liberals and Conservatives, on ways to heal and unite this country. (I wish he’d run for office.) Both of these men are two of the most loving, honorable and courageous people I have ever met.
Thank you for your service to other Veteran friends of mine too, including Diamond Caprice Allen and C Tyler Storm. Your personal stories and your strength inspire me daily.
If you have a special Veteran in your life, I invite you to post their photos here so we can all say thank you and honor them as well.
Being a Veteran is something most of us cannot imagine. They are brave men and women who sign up to put their lives on hold and on the line, sometimes for years. They, along with their families, sacrifice more than we can ever know – simply because they truly believe in the words and concepts that are written in our Constitution. Words that too often we take for granted. They do it so we can have the kinds of liberties and opportunities that are only dreams to others in the world.
Today my heart is especially heavy for Gold Star families who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I cannot even imagine the courage it takes to move forward without their loved ones. For them, it does not end with the ceremonial folding of the flag by the casket. There will be years of empty chairs around the dining table, small children will grow up without parents, and wives and husbands will have to deal with the fallout for the rest of their lives. God bless them and help them please!
I have listened many times to the eloquence of Gold Star Father Mr. Khzir Khan as he speaks about his beloved son Humayun. Each time I ask myself if I could be as gracious. As I watch him proudly hold up that little pocket book of our Constitution, I am humbled and bow my head. He truly IS what this country is all about. He is an immigrant who came here to find a better life for his family. He became an extraordinary citizen and leader, and believed in America so much that he sacrificed his most beloved possession, his son. Even after that, he STILL believes in America and what it stands for. He says he often visits his son’s grave in Arlington Cemetery. He looks out over the rows and rows of neatly arranged headstones, all the sons and daughters who are buried there. He acknowledges their sacrifice. And that he lives in a free nation because of it.
What can we say or do that would ever be enough to honor him and all the other veterans and military families who have sacrificed so much? It’s not just those who die for our freedom either. Sometimes coming back alive can feel worse than death. Veterans who come back from far off places, after having witnessed horrors we can never relate to, are forever changed. Some changes are subtle, others are the stuff of nightmares. Depression, loss of limbs, PTSD, mental anguish. Their divorce and suicide rates are off the charts.
Our Veterans need us now! Not just in words on this one day called Veterans Day either! We must make it a #1 priority to advocate daily – in every way possible – to show them our gratitude as a nation. We must help them integrate back into society with all the respect, love and support they have earned from us. Because they have EARNED it.
One final thought. When was the last time you actually read The Constitution of the United States? Mr. Khan inspired me to order it and read it again, the first time since high school. It sank home much more this time. If you haven’t read it lately, here is a link to get one for your family too: http://tinyurl.com/y7srtt69. At this point in our history, we are all being called to become Patriots and defend each other and our freedoms. Let’s start with the words as our Founding Fathers wrote them. Thank you, Mr. Khan, for the reminder.
Let us all be inspired to be kinder and gentler with each other going forward and pull together as families, neighbors and communities to support and encourage each other. Let each of us can be a catalyst to create positive change. God bless each of you and God bless this great nation we call The United States of America.
Love,
Barbara
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