Ohhhh I don't think that is going to last!! Nope, no it won't.
Goodness just thinking about getting through the local annual Veterans Day celebration, starts to make me twitch. I volunteered to help this year, instead of just attending. Perhaps being busy will help me keep my composure. Naaaaah, I doubt it.
I recall my first attendance to this celebration back in 2011. My firstborn was a freshman, and a member of our high school Airforce JrROTC. The whole experience of seeing him in uniform was so shiny and new. You better believe that I would absolutely go out of my way to be able to see him, especially en masse with other cadets. Yes, I sheepishly admit it...that was my major motivation for being there that day.
If you know me at all, it won't surprise you that I also had my camera handy. I was still very shy with it at the time, (ha who am I kidding I am still shy with my camera in public situations), but wanted it handy.
Despite how I have been acting lately, I genuinely don't tend to get outwardly emotional over too many things. My life taught me to be guarded and to keep my external show of emotion in check. I think also it is a manifestation of my introvert self.
The point that I am trying to get to here is.... this day, even looking from the 'outside' in, was very touching. There is special seating for the veteran's that participate in the ceremony. They take the time to acknowledge each branch of the military, asking them to stand and be recognized. The national anthem is played, planes fly over, flags are in abundance! It puts a lump in your throat feeling that American pride!!
It was also quite depressing, in that it seemed like a paltry number of people who were actually in attendance. The bulk of them school students who were just glad to be out of the classroom for awhile. Perhaps they had been told of the seriousness of the event, but caught up in the cool air and bit of freedom they tended to border disrespect for much of the time. Hey, I wasn't much better though my maturity and love of country had me standing and placing my hand over my heart at the right times.
No doubt I was distracted by so many things going on around me, taking in the fine details and special moments, as I am want to do. A particular older man caught my eye when his wheel chair was pushed up close to the bleacher rail so he could have a better view. He looked to be unshaven, scruffy; his coat wrinkled and stained. He slumped a bit in his chair, likely, to escape the strong cold wind that was blowing. I couldn't help but let my eyes wander back to him occasionally, not because he was doing anything in particular to catch my attention; I suppose I just wondered what his story might be.
Now there comes a point in time in each ceremony when all of the speeches and festivities conclude, the flags are brought back to attention and are carried one final lap around the stadium.
This man who I had been watching, well he began to struggle in his chair. Feeble and slow, his arms shook as he pushed himself to his feet. His timing was impeccable and he was fully, and proudly standing, by the time the United States flag crossed his path.
He stood that way for a long, long time. Honor was given. It was beautiful.
It got a bit more personal in that moment as this one individual did what he had to do to give honor and respect.
I have been back every year. I LOVE it. I love everything about it. The humble and proud veterans scattered through the audience. The chairs lined up with those who are in a place of honor to fulfill a ceremony. The baby face cadets from the JrROTC programs from all the local schools. The patriotic flags waving. The school band and choir performances of our beloved American songs.
The very, 'in your face' reminder that people have made the choice and sacrifice to serve.
Hundreds of young men and women who give a huge chunk of the 'best years of their lives' for this country that we love.
Young men who have families that love them, and know they are choosing a life that may very well put them in danger, not just once but over and over again. Boys who are thrust into manhood, by their commitment to service, who give up the luxuries of home. Our children who willingly surrender comforts, so that others won't have to.
These boys who grow to be old men, who still know what it is to stand proudly before the flag of our nation.
Yes, this year attending this event will be different.
I see so many things with a new twist these few short years later.
And, yes this family will take the time at the dinner table to talk about this very special day; why it is important and why our Veterans deserve the honor.
And we will say another prayer for our boy, and this path he is choosing.
I didn't begin this post with an ending, so I am pondering my silly requirement of a horse image for the end.
I settled on this!
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