Why? What makes a veteran different from other folks?
Growing up in a family surrounded by veterans from both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and every conflict in between, I was raised to respect the sacrifices made by these ordinary but amazing people. If you ever take the time to put politics aside, you begin to learn that some veterans are such amazing people, it humbles your soul.
With that said, I dedicate this entry to Frank, my sister,' father in law and World War II veteran.
Frank served in the Army in Germany during the war. He was a foot soldier, saw combat and was fortunate enough to survive the war. Many of his friends did not.
Most veterans who served in combat don't sit around and share the details of what they have experienced. Thankfully, there are American Legion posts, VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) posts and other clubs that have been formed over the years where these service members can meet and support one another. The average person cannot relate to what they have experienced. Typically, most members of these clubs love the camaraderie they have, but wish they didn't have the shared experiences necessary to be a member.
Frank has always been a good, proud man. He loves his family, is active in his church and veterans groups, kind to strangers, keeps his lawn beautiful. He cooks, cleans, and knows the importance of caring about one's community. He's lived in the same house for 50 or 60 years now and maintains it as well today as he did when he moved in.
When his beloved wife passed away a few years ago, he put all of his energies into his local veterans post. He visits the other veterans at home or in the hospital when they are sick, stays active with fundraisers and membership drives. He has served as chaplain and is currently, at age 83, on honor guard. Honor guard are the fine men who attend military funerals and perform the 21 gun salute. Frank will tell you that it's both an honor and a privilege to provide this final tribute to these amazing military members. It's hard for many to understand, but there is no personal gain in honor guard. Each and every service member funeral they attend is a privilege for them to participate in, to honor a military brother or sister they may have or may not have personally known one last time.
One more thing about Frank. A few months back, he was having a hard time swallowing. Upon closer examination, a mass was found and he has since been undergoing chemo treatment. He has his good days, and his bad. Some days they've had to postpone treatment due to other medical issues, and today, for a Memorial Day tribute, he is supposed to participate as honor guard. He's a bit weakened from the chemo but has always participated in this recognition of those who have fallen.
I spoke to my sister this morning and she told me Frank is indeed going. She and her husband offered to drive Frank all the way to the guard detail and drop him off with the rest of the group. His reply to the half mile trek? "I think I can make it." You see, Frank doesn't do this for himself
, he does it for those he has served with and those he didn't know, but made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, Frank will put aside his own discomfort, his own needs, and only remember those that have fallen. He will once again honor and remember those who served, but are now gone.
Around the country today, there will be other silent Franks out there. While we gobble our hot dogs and enjoy our corn on the cob, please take a moment to thank a veteran, make a donation, or simply honor by remembering those who have fought for all of us, and the sacrifices some of them still make out of love for this country and all it stands for.
To all veterans of war and peace time, thank you for your many sacrifices. May God be with each and every one of you.
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