deep gratitude

We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm. (George Orwell)

in October of 1954, President Eisenhower called on all citizens to observe the day originally named Armistice Day by remembering the sacrifices of all those who have fought so courageously for our country. The President also changed the day's name to Veterans' Day in honor of the servicemen of all America's wars, not just those who fought in World War I.



To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nation. (President Woodrow Wilson, November 1919, Armistice Day proclamation)

my Dad is a Vietnam Veteran. my brother & i were raised to recognize the service of those who have served our country, who have protected our lives & freedoms, who have put themselves on the line. we were raised with patriotism & pride for our country. and we were raised to give honor where honor is due.



today i remember my Dad & what he did long before i was ever born. i remember my Great Uncles William & Fred who served in WWII. and i think of a soldier i know now who will soon be back in Iraq. and i am grateful for all those who are brave & courageous in the face of evil so that i can be safe & enjoy the freedoms that are often taken for granted.



For those of us who fought for it, freedom has a taste the protected will never know. (Robert Reamy)




with words too inadequate to do justice for the sacrifices & heroism our soldiers have shown. i simply say thank you.

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i would also like to thank Karyn who so graciously allowed me to use her beautiful Vietnam Memorial photos that i saw on her blog in a Washington DC entry back in June--they captured such a strong sense of reverance & solemn gratitude that i knew they would express the feelings in my heart that my words can not accurately capture.

the second to last photo was sent to me by the person in it & i do not know the photographer or the details of the photo itself.