A (Late) Celebration for Veteran's Day

I know I'm a day late... But I wanted to post in honor of Veteran's Day. I am proud to live in this amazing country, and I am even more proud of those who stand ready to defend it. Among those brave men and women, stands my incredible boyfriend Rusty.

Rusty & his older brothers at the Governor's Celebration 2010 

Following in his father's and two older brother's footsteps, Rusty joined the National Guard when he turned 18. I gained a huge appreciation for the US military service after I met Rusty. He has taught me so much about sacrifice and courage. His bravery, loyalty, sense of duty and respect continues to awe and amaze me each and every day. I am so grateful for him, and the many others like him who sacrifice so much to protect this country. They truly bless our lives, even when we do not realize such. And we would surely be in a much worse position were it not for their dedication.

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA

My experience in getting to know Rusty and his military-oriented family has taught me that despite the wonderful work of a soldier, it does not come without its price. Freedom is not free... It requires hard work, perseverance, and a dedication even so great to leave everything behind to fight and defend. Because of this, we owe an even greater debt and gratitude to the sacrifices made by these brave men and women. Furthermore, we owe and even GREATER debt and gratitude to those who have given their lives in the service of our country. Among these fallen soldiers are those who did not die while in battle... but rather those who took their own lives when the price of being a soldier became to much to bear. And similarly the loved ones of soldiers who took their own lives when the price to support their soldier became too much.

Rusty called me a couple weeks ago during his lunch break at drill. (Monthly, scheduled meetings/trainings for the National Guard that usually lasts 1-3 days on the weekend.) I asked him how things were going. Part of what he told me was that in their morning meeting, it was announced that 2 men from his command had taken their lives since the last drill (about a month earlier). In addition, 2 more military men in their area had also taken their lives in the same time period. As Rusty explained this to me, it sounded all a bit too normal to him. I asked if it was a big problem. ...Come to find out, suicide in the military, and suicides of military loved ones, is becoming a huge problem. The number of military-related suicide deaths is on the rise. Rusty's command changed their plan for that drill at the last minute, and they spent most of their time in suicide prevention training. Also, next month's drill is another suicide prevention training which family and friends are invited to attend. 

It absolutely breaks my heart to know that this is becoming such a problem. These service men and women and their loved ones give so much. And yet, I cannot stop these tragedies. It may be tempting to judge these men and women. Or to judge the military and assume that it must be corrupt if it is causing suicides. But perhaps that thinking is altogether wrong. Yes, it is hard to serve as a soldier. And yes, it is hard to support a soldier. But it is not hard just because of the burdens that come from simply being a soldier... Perhaps, we, the people, are not offering enough support and love towards our soldiers and those who stand behind them. Lately there has been a lot of protest in this country against our military. There are those who have spent their time tearing soldiers down and complaining about their work. ...Why? These soldiers give us so much. They preserve our freedom and liberty. Why then should we protest? The answer is simple, we should not. We should, instead, give back as much as we can in gratitude for their service. 

Have you thanked a soldier lately? Have you thanked their loved ones for their sacrifice as well? Even just a kind word is greatly appreciated. One day, Rusty and I were walking from our car to a restaurant a couple blocks down. Rusty was still in uniform from drill earlier that day. As we passed a couple of young men, one of them smiled and said, "Thank you. I'm praying for you." It was simple, yet profound. It greatly touched my heart to know that there is still love and support for the military.

I love this country. I love my freedom. I am humbled by the opportunity I have to live here. I am grateful for my right to vote, for my right to practice my religion as I please, and for my rights as a human being and as a woman. I am deeply grateful for the sacrifice of the US military in protecting and serving this great country. I recognize the good that they do. They do MUCH more than fight our wars. I thank them for their dedication and courage. I thank God for this amazing country and all the many things it has to offer. I am PROUD to be an American!