Mommy, What is a Veteran?
by Linda Ellis
"Mommy, what is a veteran?" my child asked in an innocent way "and could you please explain to me why we have a Veteran's Day?"
My mind searched for the adjectives that might help me clarify those people, who
for their country have looked death in the eye.
I quickly grabbed the dictionary to see what Webster may have used but "one who served in the armed forces" were not the words that I would choose.
But, how do you describe a veteran -- soldiers you have never met, those you'll never know the names of and yet...never will forget?
How do you describe a veteran? How do you convey a definition for those who brought this country's dreams to their ultimate fruition?
How do you describe a veteran -- strangers who fought for you, men and women who risked their lives for people they never knew?
How do you describe a veteran -- and the sacrifices they made so that you and your children's children could live free...and unafraid?
How do you describe a veteran -- for a child's sake? You say "a veteran is a person to whom we owe every breath we take."
Prosser held it's annual Veteran's Day Parade today. My dad, a U.S. Army (Vietnam) Veteran, decided to join the parade this year. The girls were going to ride along with Papa and a fellow veteran friend. They decided to walk in front of Papa so he could have another veteran ride with him. They had a great time even though it was a damp and chilly day!
Jenna and Lauryn are awfully proud of their Papa!
Dad pulling the cart out of the garage for the parade.
Papa and the girls on the way to the parade.
Papa's longtime friend and fellow veteran with his patriotic granddaughters before the parade.
Jenna, Papa, and Lauryn before the parade.
The parade is here!
Showing support of veteran's!
The cart looks pretty snazzy! Good job mom and dad!
It was a little cold for many veteran's today. Some were driven by proud family members.
Brrr...
Lauryn, Brandi, and Kendra waving their flags.
Dad and his buddies.
Down the home-stretch.
Still smiling after a chilly walk in the parade to honor our Veteran's!
Nico and Lauryn after the parade.
Papa and the girls on their way to lunch after the parade.
America...
Home of the Free because of the Brave!
4 comments:
Beautiful.
Had a hard time fighting the tears today during the 'gun salute'
we owe people like your wonderful dad so much more than we can ever repay them.
God Bless him and all those who bravely have and are serving our wonderful country.
Made me cry Lolli! They were awesome today and this was a beautiful post to EVERYONE who is, or has, served our country. Thank You!
What a great post, Lolli! You must be very proud of your dad - and your girls! Each time I read your blog it's clear how much your family means to you...you're a great gal! We need to meet in person!
Like Ali, I too have never met you, but feel like I have...via Julaine (my sis). It was really neat to look through your blog and see my beautiful niece's (Ashley) best friend Jenna. I've met Jenna at Julaine's a time or two and she is truly a gem! I can see that "Papa" holds a very special place in your girls' life! That is priceless!!
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