Well, it's veteran's day 2010. It's nice to be able to take some time to think about veterans, who they are and what they do or have done. I've always been proud of my heritage and I'm proud of the veterans in my family. My Grandfather was a veteran who served during WWI. His service was short lived since the Germans surrendered the day he graduated from boot camp,(must've heard he was coming), but his enthusiasm to serve is a part of all of us and leads us to serve in so many ways. My Uncle was a pilot in WWII. he was a legend in his day and the only time his plane didn't come back was when it went out without him. Needless to say, he was quite popular when it came to flying missions. I remember my dad talking about his big brother with such pride, it was probably his example that caused my dad to have a desire to serve in the army as a medic later.
I've really thought about the faith that my grandpa, uncle and dad have shown me in not just running off just because, but really standing up for what they believe in. It's that kind of faith that can bring an airplane home even in the midst of bombshells, and faith that can move an entire community of people from one side of the country to the other and make the desert bloom like the rose. In my opinion the greatest veteran we have in our country is George Washington. To stand up for the right even with the knowledge that if he lost he would be hung for treason. What a huge sacrifice to make for generations yet to come. There was a man of faith.
I look at my kids today and the challenges they face, staying away from drugs, bad influences, drama, and even the music they are exposed to on a regular basis can really test the limits. I've been amazed at how one thing used to be deemed as bad, but now it's embraced, and the kids have to sort all of it out. I remember when I was a teen and how many issues I had to deal with and it's mind boggling how many more my children have to deal with.
I guess the question that comes to mind in all of this is, where do our kids get the faith to stand up for their beliefs? Stand up and say no to bad situations? The kind of faith our veterans had in the past can still influence a new generation because of the stories and the example they leave for us. The kind of faith that brings an airplane home every time, the kind of faith that inspires a young man to go out into the unknown world from a small town and serve in a foreign country. The kind of faith that encourages new veterans to go out and serve their country not knowing where the adventure will take them. When it brings them back to their faith in Jesus Christ it's an amazing thing.
It's easy to revere veterans from the past. The glory days, the combat stories, and all of that, but it's almost weird to think about the kid down the street as a veteran. the one who really hasn't seen combat, but has been through all the training and served where they were needed and some who still serve. Veterans day isn't just for old men, it's a day to celebrate the accomplishments of all who have served and still do.
Happy Veterans Day
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