Veterans Day

Thank You to all those who selflessly put their lives on hold to serve this great country we call home.

So, here is a bit of veteran humor for today. I know lots and lots of you can relate.....

the phone call....

The boys summer vacation starts at precisely 10:30am. The past two days have been these early release days...why is that? Why not make Thursday one full day and let it be over with then?

The school system really makes me shutter with its decision making process. I called about the Memorial Day and Veterans Day issue. And as I expected I received a complete dance around the initial question. It was blamed on everything from the August start date, to final exams being this week and not wanting to give kids a three day weekend so they could have that day to prepare. By the time the man was done with the excuses, the phone had started to sprout roots from my ear.

* SIGH*

 I was told by the school board office that several state house reps.wants to change the school start date to an earlier day in August, thus allowing school districts to allow kids those two days off. I was asked to email the state Representatives. So I contacted all SC State House Members...most gave me an automated email But, one did send me a more in depth response..what I was asked to do? I was asked in the email  to contact my local school board members about the issue, that they are the ones who vote on the school calendar.
So basically back to square one.

*SIGH*

So, Senior and I will continue to keep the boys home on those days, teach them about the sacrifices made to keep our country free. And teach them patriotism and respect for our military ourselves.


-JUGM

The Old Veteran

I noticed him immediately as he walked down the aisle of the grocery store. He was dressed head to toe in his Dress Uniform. Obviously had just been at a Veterans Day memorial event.  He had so much hardware it "clanked" while he walked.We suspected he was in his middle 80s. probably saw time in WW11 and Korea.
 He actually looked a lot like the Veteran in the picture above.
He pushed his cart quietly without saying a word to  anyone or anyone for that matter saying a word to him.  Senior wanted to go shake his hand, but ND had to go potty.
So he took him while NW and I waited outside of the restrooms. They came out, and it was little ND who asked if he could go find the gentleman. Senior and I looked at each other, shook our heads and said "okay".
So, we searched the aisles...he was no where. We decided to leave. As we were heading to the check outs, there he was waiting in line. Senior asked ND if he still wished to go meet the soldier. He did.
So, he took both boys by the hand and led them over. I saw the brief exchange- ND shook the mans hand and Thanked him for his service.

Talk about tears came to this proud mothers eyes.. 

Thank you to all the Veterans just like this man who read this blog. Thank you for your sacrifice, and service to defend our great country. Thank you to the Wives, Children and other family members who kept the home fires lit while you were deployed. I definantly know it is not easy when they are gone..  

-JUGM

Veterans Day: A True Story

We spent the past weekend up at the Country Estate. Knowing Veterans Day was coming up, Senior wanted to put American Flags on the graves of our family who had served, including his Dad.
So, yesterday I was a woman on a mission, searching high and low for  four small flags.
I was of the thinking that it was Veterans day, it would be a no brainer and every one out there would have them.

But, I soon found that idea to be very wrong. I am sad to say that not one of the stores I was in was recognizing the reason behind todays holiday.
Walmart did have flags, but only one the size I was looking for, and that was perched up high, I had to climb on the display to get it down. A snotty walmart employee looked at another shopper and said " She must be desperate for a flag"  I gave her  "The Look" .
I walked up to the check out, every one in front of me had carts full. A nice elderly lady in front of me, turned and smiled and asked if the small flag was all that I had. I said "yes ma'am" and she allowed me to go in front of her.
I thanked her repeatedly for her kindess. And it was then that she and I began a conversation about our Flag, and the countries veterans. I told her about how hard it had been for me to find a small flag and what it would be used for.

She then said to me :
" It was not until I saw you with the flag that I remembered tomorrow is Veterans Day.  I can remember how as a child, every thing shut down, people would line the streets for the local parade. Us girls got giggly over the boys in uniform, and I married a soldier who served in Korea. Our country has lost what our Flag means, and what our veterans sacrificed to keep America Free, Now this blame Obamacare is threatening the weak and elderly, If I get cancer, I will have no coverage, it is like they just want us to die. I don't recognize my country anymore, and tomorrow...it is a day to celebrate and thank our vets, and no one really remembers that anymore"
 She smiled remembering days gone by and then her eyes teared up.

I completely agreed with her,smiled and expressed my sentiments as well. The line started moving, and I told her to thank her husband for his service, She blessed me with a good day. I then thanked her for the conversation. And I was on my way.
It is always remarkable about the people you meet, You never know about them, or what insight they can bring you. I got in the truck, with my one little flag. I told Senior about the little elderly lady and our conversation. And then I knew I had to share it with all of you.

I Want to Thank all the Veterans for their service, And Thank You to the families for sacrificing your loved ones to fight for America, and to keep our Country free....

-JUGM