Country comes first for veterans

While it’s far from enough, please join me in saying “thank you” . . .

On Monday, our nation paid tribute to more than 18 million living veterans of our armed services, as well as the scores of veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
While Memorial Day is designed to pay tribute to those men and women who died during military service, Veterans Day celebrates the service of all military veterans.
The calling to serve our country in the military has come in many forms over the years: family tradition; Pearl Harbor; Korea; a draft notice during the Vietnam war; 9-11, or the so-called join-the-militaryor-else.
 Regardless of that call, when the veteran-to-be takes his oath, his time now becomes that of the country.
 All too often, we take for granted what those people serving in the military do so that we can live our normal lives.
 It’s especially hard on families who sacrifice as well during months-long or years-long deployment.
 On Monday, I heard Pam Murphy of Grant, a retired Navy captain, speak about her experiences, not only about serving her country, but serving her country as a woman.
 As a nurse and later a certified nurse anaesthetist, she and her husband and two sons moved from assignment to assignment, leaving behind jobs, schools, friends and sometimes family.
 Then there were the deployments aboard naval ships. She recalled how one year, she was absent for every holiday, birthday, anniversary, school and sporting event. Despite this, she has never regretted her decision to serve.
 Those are the sacrifices many who serve in our military make on our behalf.
 While it’s far from enough, please join me in saying “thank you” to the millions of veterans who put their country above all and sacrifice more than we will ever know.

 

The Imperial Republican

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