“Maybe Shane is safer in Iraq.”
I actually said those words (referring to my son-in-law), when I first heard about the shootings at Fort Hood.
“Safer in Iraq?” How bizarre. And how ironic—to read blogs and hear from Shane— that our soldiers at war are more worried for their families at home.
It’s heartbreaking that this tragedy will soil the history of Fort Hood. Yet the timing means that Americans will pay more attention to Veteran’s Day this year. As we should.
Until my daughter married a soldier, the armed forces were not on my radar. Like many in the Vietnam era, I thought of the military as “them” and us”. As if we weren’t even on the same side.
The sentiment is different today; there’s much more support for our troops. Still I don’t think it’s ever enough—especially compared to what they deserve.
On Veteran’s Day, along with tributes to soldiers of the past, I think of what President Obama said at Fort Hood:
We need not look to the past for greatness, because it is before our very eyes.
Average American kids— molded into heroes—- carry our nation’s security on their backs. They are men and women and black and brown and white and Republican and Democrat and Independent and Christians and Muslims and Jews. Just like the rest of us.
Only they’re not like the rest of us. They’re different, the people who live at Fort Hood and on military bases all over the country. They live in our midst; but in some ways they live alongside us in a parallel universe: a world with its own time, its own language, its own rules, its own values.
It’s a world I’ve come to appreciate, and to admire; but though I’ve been closer to it, I still can’t imagine life in the military. I can’t imagine having to follow orders without questioning; to endure long separations from the people I love most; to sacrifice everything in the name of honor and duty.
Every soldier I meet is willing to take a bullet to keep me and you safe. I can’t imagine it.
They are different. And in many ways, they represent the best of America.
We live in a time of confusion and challenge—- they’re fighting a war against enemies they can’t see, inside a military stretched to its limits. As individuals, we can’t change the nature of the world or the military. We can do our best— to help families at Ford Hood and to remember the troops overseas. And there is something simple every American can do for our men and women in uniform: We can honor all of them—as they honor all of us.
Well said.
I didn’t know your son-in-law was a soldier. I am blown away by these “kids” every day. I can’t watch the newsstories without wanting to weep.
Thank him today, from all of us.
Thank u, I too am blown away by their bravery and honor. They truly live by a different code.
Which probably compounds the problems faced by so many veterans once they merge back into “normal’ life. Just came across a really good post about ways to understand—and help:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....51065.html
Thanks for your words, Darryle. You put these important thoughts and feelings so eloquently and succinctly. I am going to post this on my profile, so more people will read it. I agree wholeheartedly, but would be unable to express it as well.
“Still I don’t think it’s ever enough—especially compared to what they deserve.” Today’s NY Times editorial points out that nearly a third of all homeless adult males in America are veterans. New veterans return home each and every day. They are extra-ordinary .. and they are all at risk. I hope your readers remember your kind words and tender heart well beyond today. Thank you so much for this.
I think it’s a huge travesty that so many veterans end up homeless–and often unable to get the most basic necessities of life. I have hopes that our new Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs will be able to help improve their situation. Thanks to you both for being so supportive of our military—and of me.