Despite the fact that I am not a holiday person (and often forget about holidays until they are right upon us), I am grateful for the opportunities they provide to reflect on things. And today, on Memorial Day, I'm glad to have a reminder of just how lucky we are to live in this country. There are so many things I take for granted and forget aren't available to everyone in the world. I'm not sure what I did to deserve being born in the United States, but I am grateful I was.
And, of course, a HUGE thank you is owed to our veterans and military. It's easy to think that they're "just doing their job," but without them I know we would not be able to continue to enjoy life the way we know it.
I've been lucky to get a more intimate? view of what our soldiers do as a military spouse (although even that is still woefully inadequate to get the full picture). And I can tell you that the need for a job alone is not enough to sustain these guys (and gals) through all that they go through. More, much more, is needed, so rest assured that they are out there in the dirt and sand and endless MRE's and no porta potties and blistering heat and smelly bodies and heavy gear and equipment because at least a little part of them knows that what they do is important. And keeps the ones they love (and those they perhaps do not love) safe and comfortable. And our country free. I hope they understand how grateful I am for them.
And I think it is appropriate today to share some images a photographer friend, Christopher Wilocki, shot for Honor Flight Chicago. Honor Flight provides flights for WWII veterans so they are able to visit the WWII memorial in Washington DC. Christopher was able to volunteer with them a couple of times.
I hope you enjoy what he captured and that it moves you in some way.
Thank you Jax! I greatly appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteChristopher