Veteran's Day

Yesterday was Veteran's Day as you probably know, unless you are living under a rock.

Saturday, my Hubby and his former AF crew with their spouses got together at a local restaurant. They are mostly retired. It is always so interesting to hear their stories. 

I sometimes feel awkward because the spouses of the servicemen and servicewomen were with them through it all. I met Hubby after he was out of the service. They all know each other and have a connection. 

But I make the best of it. They are friendly and talk to me but I don't have the knowledge or experiences to share. 

I have learned how such a sheltered life I grew up in. I have no qualms about that. It is just the way I was raised. I didn't have the opportunities to travel and experience some of the military life. But it is sometimes mind-boggling when I hear some of their stories.

At one point our Veterans were huddled together which left the spouses such as myself fend for ourselves. One of the wives whose hubby is still on active duty as a Sargent Lieutenant started talking to me and another wife who seemed to feel the same way as me. Left out. 

She said she endures this all the time, being left hanging while her hubby mingles with his comrades. 

I told her to get through these I think of the sacrifices they did for the country. Feeling left out for a few hours is nothing compared to it.

Although Hubby didn't go to full combat, he still served. His former team members were his family. It is like a reunion. It is nice to meet people he talks about. 

She agreed and said she has become used to it in some ways.

One of the members did make a good point. Their team went to Desert Storm and they all made it back alive. God was with them. 

All in all, it was a good time.

Yesterday at the Memorial Service we attend, there is this man who sings like no other. He is always there for Christmas, Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. God gave him an awesome talent and he sings with such emotion. I want to cry when he signs America The Beautiful. 

One of the speakers made a good point. 

The place was full but with all the people in this city, I am sure more than half of our population didn't even think of the reason for this holiday.  Our vets made it possible for our freedoms and protection whether they went into combat or just worked in the offices. They all gave themselves to serve and protect us us.

Why can't everyone remember that?

Back to the speaker, he said he appreciated we all came out and every Veteran appreciates our participation, prayers and respect.

He said in certain words how sad that most Americans will not participate in a FREE Service to honor those who have protected and served us. But we will pay any kind of money to pack the stands at a football game or spend at the Veteran's Day sales. 

He is right.

It is sad. 

I saw this young Serviceman with a Purple Heart with his wife at his side.  I saw widows remembering their husbands who died for us.  I can't even imagine.

It just hits you when you go to these functions.  Yes, you know what it is all about but when you participate in something like that, reality punches you. 

There were several business who gave free meals to Veterans or some kind of discount. We decided to go to AppleBees after the service. Our waitress had this awesome shirt. She was complimented many times. I've looked for the shirt online but can't find one that is exactly like it. But it is something like this.

It had more blue but gorgeous. This is one of the times I wish I had a fancy phone with a camera LOL.

Anyway, I hope you had just one thought of the purpose of Veteran's Day. But you don't have to stop. If you see a solider in uniform or a Veteran, thank them. At any time.  Just a simple, "Thank you for serving" is enough. Hubby and I have done this many times. It warms your heart to see their faces brighten and hear the appreciative thank you in their voices.