Remembering Memorial Day

The kids and I started off Memorial day by going to the Infantry Museum. We were late and missed the parade. So late that the reenactors were walking back to their cars. (Very funny to see men dressed up in the white wigs and coat tails climbing into cars!) We walked around and saw the planes and tanks. The kids wondered if all 5 branches of the military were here in Oklahoma. I really didn't know. (I should Google that!)

I asked the kids what branch of the military would they choose to join and two of them answered out right. Luke said- Navy. Jack said- Marines. It took Savanna a little while to think about it, then she choose the Navy. While we were touring the museum, I learned that battles were fought here in Oklahoma during the Civil War. My friend Julie had told me about the Civil War reenactors, and the parade. I was talking to my Mom and I was really confused, when I heard myself say Civil War. I thought that could not be right here in Oklahoma. But sure enough, the war was fought here too.

As we toured the museum we saw many people dressed in their uniforms. I was touched mostly by one man. He had a emblem on his back that said ex-POW. I was trying to explain it to the kids, and felt like I could not adequately explain what that meant. It all just sounded like words.
Our family has no idea.

I love when we sing patriotic songs in church. I am always filled with emotion. This last Sunday as we sang America the Beautiful- and I felt once again, emotion with the 3rd verse, I remembered trying to write about it in November.

I tried to write about being grateful for those that served in the military but I couldn't finish. I just didn't feel like I had the right words. It started then with the third verse of America the Beautiful. I think it just gets me.

"Third verse of America the Beautiful: Oh, beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!

I don't really remember seeing many people in uniform growing up. I am sure that they were around but it does not stand out. I did not really know that we had a base so close by. My first realization of the military was when I moved to Colorado Springs.

I was surrounded by military. The discounts, the uniforms, the vehicles, the bases, the cadets.

The attitudes of some made it seem that they thought they were far better than the rest of us. That I was privileged to be with them.

Then there were the others. The ones that just went about their business- they were not seeking recognition. They were just doing their job.

Both groups served, though. For that I am thankful. Good attitude, or bad attitude, they were willing to do it. "

After re-reading what I wrote, I still don't have the right words. Except that I am thankful.