Honestly, before I got married and became a "military wife," I never thought much about Veterans Day. I never got off of work or school for it, so it seemed to come and go. And I don't want you to think that only now am I thankful for veterans because I benefit from Outback's free bloomin' onion special this week, because that is not true at all. It's just that as I hear about the men and women who have fought and those who are now fighting for our country, it all has just become a lot more relative to me and my life now. It hits closer to home now, and it makes me appreciate these great veterans on a greater level than before.
I've been reading a wonderful book called "The Infinite Atonement" by Tad Callister (it's a wonderful book, by the way: everyone needs to read it). Anyway, it was talking about sacrifice and how it is one of the highest expressions of love. For me this also teaches us that our willingness to sacrifice is one of the many Christ-like attributes--- along with attributes like charity, patience, obedience, and diligence.
As I thought about this, I was reminded again of how those fighting for our country are demonstrating this Christ-like attribute when I had the chance to listen to the words of President Obama in Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day this year:
"What bonds this chain together across the generations, this chain of honor and sacrifice, is not only a common cause--our country's cause--but also a spirit captured in the book of Isaiah, a familiar verse. 'When I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am. Send me!"
"That's what we memorialize today. That spirit that says, send me, no matter the mission. Send me, no matter the risk. Send me, no matter how great the sacrifice I am called to make." (the whole speech found here)
I am grateful for all those who have fought for the ideals of America. And for those who continue to fight for them. I hope I can learn from their examples of sacrifice, along with their other admirable qualities. Happy Veterans Day!
Great post. I, too, am awestruck by that photo. I study WWII homefront, and I am always impressed by the support that the families of soldiers had for their sons and brothers. Those soldiers really did give up so much. Today, our soldiers are also very brave, and I think they don't get enough support from civilians for what they do.
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ReplyDeleteI love this. You are a great writer! I am reading the Infinite Atonement too. I actually was reading it the morning of Veterans Day because I didn't have to get up and go to work. I agree that in the past I didn't think much about our military and Veterans Day. But living in DC and being more exposed to those who serve our country has made me more grateful for each soldier's dedicated service. Thanks for sharing.
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