Memorial Day

They have a sign outside the veteran's nursing home where my father lived the last year of his life. It says, "Here you see the price of freedom." Inside there were many men and women who suffered the often lifelong signs of their service. My dad and his twin brother served in the U.S. Navy. They enlisted right after Pearl Harbor after they graduated from high school (weren't allowed to before). Dad was injured in a training flight and suffered pain and many surgeries for his injuries. When Dad became terminally ill we were so grateful that he could be in this nursing home where the staff really cared for these men and women who'd served in the military. 

A number of my university students volunteer at this nursing home. Some of them have served in the military and they are using their GI bill to pay for their college education. Others are in training programs for various branches of the military. Our university took a large hit when the Iraq war began. Many times when I drove onto the campus the flag was at half mast in honor of a former student who was killed in the war. With so many graduates serving in the military all over the world I knew the day would arrive when one of my former students would be killed. 

And then it happened. This particular student was a serious, dedicated young man but he liked to play as hard as he studied and worked. His class came right after lunch -- their only break after early exercise and early back-to-back classes. For some it would be the last class. So he liked to lead the joking around after we'd accomplished much of the class objectives. We had thin walls in that building and I'd admonish students that we couldn't be heard to be having such fun or someone would complain we'd disturbed them. It did no good. He always continued although he was respectful as can be. His good nature was just so infectious. I remember his hard work and his determination to enjoy his life with some fun in equal measure. 

His memorial service on campus was one of the most moving experiences I have ever had. Students turned out for it -- many of them in training to serve all branches of the military, not just the one he  was in. They didn't flinch from showing their affection and respect no matter how painful it was for them. Many packets of flag decorated tissues were passed out that day. Faculty wept along with the students. One advisor who liked to keep a drawerful of snacks in her office was inconsolable. My student had given another soldier in training a medal to encourage him in his physical training. This student honored his memory by returning the medal to the memorial table and dropping to the ground to do several pushups. I cried along with the advisor when that happened. 

So many men and women have sacrificed to give us religious freedom. I hope that we can all find some way to honor them not just today but every day. 

Would love to hear about someone you know who served or is serving.

Blessings,

Barbara
PS: the winners of my Mother's Day autographed book contest are Sandra Selle and Kristie D.