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November 12, 2005
We stood on Main street, waiting for the parade to begin. My daughter spotted other children waving plastic flags and wondered out loud where we could find them. My son, being politely adventurous, approached a nearby Veteran to ask where he got his.
"You can have mine, son," the wrinkled man replied.
"No, thank you." Instead my son offered his hand. "Thank you for protecting our country."
The man's eyes misted with tears as did mine. He knelt down and handed my son the flag. When my daughter also thanked him for his service, he lightly kissed her hand. "I don't have another flag, honey."
"That's okay. We can share."
As each float drifted by, they took turns waving the small flag at our local heroes. Since my daughter had her throw-away camera ready, she took pictures of every one that came by. Many of the Veterans smiled and waved, and one even saluted her. You would have thought she had shot a roll of Brad Pitt photographs by the way she giggled and raved about them.
One float housed a real Army Jeep from the MASH era and sitting in the Jeep was a fully dressed soldier armed with a large gun.
"Is that what they fight with in war, Momma?" My son asked.
"Yes. And remember, for every soldier you see here today, hundreds didn't make it back." My voice trembled at the thought of him understanding what war and death meant together.
Upon hearing this conversation between us, a nearby Veteran patted both the kids on the back. "It was worth fighting for when I see you young ones living free." My daughter spontaneously hugged him, with her brother not far behind.
The lump in my throat and the pride in my heart cannot be fully described today. To be an American mother, raising patriotic children in a world full of hate, is both an honor and a privilege.
Thank you, Veterans. It is because of you that I am afforded that luxury in this life.
Posted by Tish at November 12, 2005 05:56 PM
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Comments
Thanx and nice job mommy!
Oh, and to hell with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals who thinks "parents have no fundemental rights." ;)
Just keep on being an involved parent with a moral compass.
Posted by: Mike (ex scientia) at November 12, 2005 08:33 PM
Beautiful post, Tish!
Posted by: Crystal at November 12, 2005 08:34 PM
Americans should be very proud indeed. Despite what is reported in the news media. I have nothing but respect for the American people and their system of government.
Posted by: layman at November 12, 2005 10:04 PM
Leave it to you to leave me misty-eyed, reading this ;) I thankful for every veteran who defended kids like yours, too.
Posted by: Skunkfeathers at November 13, 2005 02:03 AM
This is both sad and uplifting. How do you do that?
Posted by: old horsetail snake at November 13, 2005 11:01 AM
Your kids and their parents make me proud to have worn a uniform for three years. I hope some of the people serving now come across this post.
Posted by: Paul of York at November 13, 2005 04:30 PM
Salute! Hugs. Thanks.
Posted by: Paul N. at November 13, 2005 06:01 PM
I just got goosebumps. Those are some pretty awesome kids you are raising there Tish.
You are good people. HUGS!!!
Posted by: LisaBinDaCity at November 13, 2005 06:19 PM
Well now. Sounds like somebody (or two) done raised themselves some kids up right.
Way to go Tish.
And thanks be to the Vets!
Posted by: steelcowboy at November 13, 2005 06:51 PM
Wow. You've got some good kids.
Posted by: Stevin at November 13, 2005 08:26 PM
I lack the words to express the emotion I felt reading this. Wonderful, wonderful post.
Posted by: FTS at November 14, 2005 03:02 PM