VETERAN'S DAY

The holidays continue.

Not much to be said for Veteran's Day because when I was a schoolkid, it was called Armistice
Day and it was not celebrated, but observed. It commemorated the signing of the armistice
following World War I. Mail was delivered, school was in session, but on Nov 11th at 11 AM
a moment of silence was observed and everyone stood up and faced east for one minute.
That was it. Sometimes I wonder if that was not the best way as it really focused on the
solemnity of the moment.

I can't remember just when this was changed to Veteran's Day, commemorating the end of
each war and honoring the Veterans.

I am so thankful that none of my children and grandchildren have lived through a time when
young men were drafted and obligated to serve in the Armed Forces. Don't get me wrong,
I am so grateful to all the servicemen who fought for our country and our rights and our
freedom, but it was a scary time of your life, when all of a sudden our brothers, husbands,
friends were drafted. Sure we knew it could and probably would happen. The fear of the
unknown. Probably 99 percent of the draftees made the most of the time spent in the
service. I know Grandpa did. It wan't of his choosing, but he was drafted for a two year
period, and decided he would enjoy it. I on the other hand did not enjoy it. He was already
in the Army when we became engaged, so I knew what I was getting into. During the basic
training, and then further training in the United States it was somewhat of an adventure.
But when training is over, practicality set in. Most of the trainees (draftees) were sent
overseas. Korea was the hot spot at the time and while Grandpa was deployed to Okinawa
it was just hop skip and jump to Korea. Fortunately he stayed on Okinawa during his course
of service--it was always the fear of the unknown. Another fear the families have is will
our soldier come home at all, what kind of horror has he witnessed wherever he was, will
it have enriched him or made him bitter. So therefore my children I will always be thankful
that none of you would have experienced this personally.

To all servicemen and veterans, and their families, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for your
sacrifices. God Bless You and God Bless America.