Military Honors
I would like to start this week’s story with a short quiz. Would you be willing to get an ID if it meant you would receive $100? How about $500? Would you get an ID if it meant you would receive $1,000? My answer would have been yes even if it were $10. Now, let’s ponder the right to vote. Think about all the previous individuals and groups in this country that were not allowed that right. Imagine everything they endured and how hard they fought for this right. How much is their determination, strength, and courage to gain this right for future generations worth? Is it worth the effort to get a voter ID?
Last Saturday, there was a funeral that requested two limousines. We were to pick the groups up at Christ the King Church and take them to the Ammon cemetery and then back to the church. When we arrived at the church, the funeral director came out to gives us the details for the ride to the cemetery. He handed us a copy of the program. The services were for an 85-year-old navy veteran. The picture was of the man in his Navy uniform, which reminded me of my Dad in his navy uniform.
I watched as the pall bearers brought out the casket, and the family and friends followed behind. My heart was heavy thinking about the loss they were feeling. Having gone through this with my Dad and my Mom, even though you realize they have lived a very full life, you are never ready to let them go.
When we arrived at the cemetery, the military veterans group were already there in uniform and their rifles for the ceremony. I thanked them for their service and told them how much I admired and respected them. “We are always happy to be able to pay our respects to another soldier,” they said.
It was very cold and windy, so me and the other driver decided to wait in the limo where it was warmer. After about twenty minutes, it was time for the military portion of the program. We got out of the limo so we could pay the proper respect and put our hands on our hearts. After they fired their rifles, it was time for one of the soldiers to play Taps. As he started to play, a feeling of retrospect came over me. I looked up at the overcast sky, and I thought about my Dad and everything he sacrificed and worked for to provide our family a good life. I thought about the men and women of that generation. I thought about what their life must have been like growing up. I thought about how many sacrifices they made so we can have the life we have today. I looked at the soldiers and could see the love they have for our country in their faces. I will always be forever grateful to all the brave men and women who have served and are still serving in our armed forces. They don’t do it for glory or recognition. They do it for love of country and freedom.
As I watched the rest of the ceremony, I felt so grateful for all of the freedoms and opportunities I have. I realized how much more I should be doing to help my community and country. There are some people saying our country needs to do more for its citizens. I have a different viewpoint. I think as citizens we should be doing more for our country. We should be doing more for our communities. I am so grateful to all of you for everything you do. Thanks for reading.
Next week: Happy Birthday to me!
P.S. To help me work harder at this, I am reminded of one of my Dad’s favorite sayings. “Drudgery Builds Character!” It must be true. I have been called a character on several occasions.