Small Way to Honor Veterans

I was very young when the Vietnam War was being waged. I saw the pictures on our television but the enormity of this event didn't register. It wasn't until I watched Desert Storm that I realized exactly what an impact that war had on our lives.

My father was in the Air Force during WWII and Korea. I barely paid attention to the stories he shared. There weren't many he shared with us. It was a time he would rather forget. He and my mother taught us to honor our men and women in uniform. Thus we learned respect for those who fought to preserve our rights.

My husband was on the LST Desoto County and LST Terrebohne Parish during the Vietnam Era. I have learned so much from him and his former shipmates about how they aren't only shipmates but they become a family. Even after 40 years, as we attended our first reunion, I could see the love and respect these men still feel for eachother.

When my daughter came to me stating she wanted to join the Army Reserves, I played the Devil's advocate. I explained she wouldn't be able to quit if she didn't like it. I also told her that once she signed that paper I wouldn't be able to get her out. Her response made me so proud. "Mom, this is what I've always wanted to do. Serve my country but I wasn't sure which branch." She had never let me know before. I had tears in my eyes as we signed the papers and raging emotions. Here was my baby girl following in the service of her country as generations had before.

So how do you honor those who gave so unselfishly to protect our rights and freedom? A mere thank you seems so small. I wrote this small poem as a tribute to my father for I never said thank whilw he was alive.

A man stood on the corner

with poppies in his hand.

My daddy gave me pennies

to put into his can.

I asked daddy, "Why we do this

what were the poppies for?"

He told me it was a way to honor soldiers

who had fought in all the wars.

Now I buy the poppies,

three to be exact.

One for the soldier presently serving

making our nation proud.

The second for the soldier of wars in days gone by,

brave men and women each and everyone.

The third and finally poppy, held closely to my heart.

belongs to our fallen soldiers, those who never made it home.

Today I still buy poppies whenever I see a Veteran standing outside a store. Each one has a special meaning as my father passed away. That is just one way I have to honor our Veterans.