It dates back to colonial times, a bonding of people by a love of country…the first Patriots fought to establish our beloved United States of America. There’s quite an amazing heritage those early militias started, which remains today in the heart of our modern day military men and women. For that, we should all pause to thank our Veterans, the families who have suffered losses unimaginable, and those currently serving.
Personally, I choose to celebrate and think of family. Two special men, my wonderful grandfathers, served in the Air Force during World War II…one was a handsome flight officer with advanced bombardier training, the other served bravely too and later became a self educated engineer who would help in the building and development of some fabulous military planes. During Vietnam men and women, like my father-in-law, served during a brutal time…he was in the Marines. My dad also served in the Navy during that time, spending years on an aircraft carrier, even missing my first year of life. My uncle, a brilliant man who knew many languages, spent months under sea in a submarine intercepting and translating enemy transmissions. A female cousin also joined the Navy to become a nurse. Another cousin was a brave Navy Seal who performed underwater bomb diffusing. Let’s not forget those boys next door, like the one who came to the daycare where I worked in college…he became one of Brownwood’s first casualties in Iraq after 9/11. They all have touched our lives in a special way, but even more important…they loved our country and were willing to sacrifice, some made the ultimate sacrifice, to keep the rest of us safe and free.
Take time today to thank a Veteran and their families, salute when you see someone serving active duty, and think about the small things we can do to honor them. Let your congressmen know its important to pass legislation that takes care of Veterans or keeps medical facilities available to them. Send military support boxes, not only at Christmas…but the throughout the year too. Remember those who have been injured and are now disabled. Some of these are shut-ins and alone, a visit might brighten their day. Donate to Veterans charities and military ministries. Whatever you do, don’t take them for granted or even worse, don’t ever forget them.
Editorial By Lisa Tipton
Photo: Raymond R. “Bob” Lamkin, Grandfather of Lisa Tipton
