Thank You

As I woke this morning my first thought was that it was Veteran's Day. Then I start to recount all those in my family who have served our country.

Cousins, Uncles, Father-in-law; marines, sailors, soldiers, airman; male and even a female. Thank You.


My dad was in the Marines for a short time at the very end of the Korean War. He says that they signed the cease fire when they knew he was on the ship headed their way. We humor him. Thanks, Papa.


My brother-in-law David is in Afghanistan, in the heart of it. Though he is retired military, he now works for Department of Defense. He oversees the condition of the vehicles our soldiers use. Thank You.


My nephew, Ryan, is in college and in the ROTC program, he wants to be a pilot. His dad is the one that is in Afghanistan, and knows the hardship of military life, yet he chooses to someday serve his country. Thank You.


My newest son in law, Evan, is in the Navy, as a Corpsman. He is detached to the Marines in CA. He has not been deplored, for which we are grateful, and selfishly pray, that in his remaining 2 years, won't be. Thank You.


Dale served 9 years in the army. He first served in Germany, where he came to know the Lord. We met when he was stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA. We lived in CA, NJ and AL. He never saw battle, though I know he wanted too. He always wished he could have rescued POW's, and was always greatly moved when he spoke with men who served during WWII. We went to air shows, military museums, watched war movies, and he always recognized the Veterans in the churches he pastored. Growing up in the Air Force, and his time in the military, gave him such a love and respect for the men and women in our military force.


When Dale passed away, he was given a military service since he was a Veteran. Whenever I would see a graveside service, only ever on TV, with Taps playing, the coffin draped with the flag, the mother or wive given the folded flag, it always made me weep. This time it was my turn. I remember as we pulled up to the graveside, and seeing Dale's coffin with the flag over it, my heart dropped. It was a reality, not a dream. As my girls, SIL's, my mom, and my SIL's family gathered around the graveside, Taps was played in the distance, by a lone trumpet. After that, two very well rehearsed soldiers, took the flag, and in slow, precise movements folded it. It was then given to a Staff Sergent, who came to me to present the flag. With the most painful lump in my throat I have ever had, I listen as he spoke gracious words of thanks for Dale's service to his country. I took the flag, thanked him, and hugged that flag tightly. I was grieved and grateful all at the same time, having Dale honored so. So, to Dale, Thank You.


To any reading this who have served, or have loved ones who have, or are serving, Thank You.