I first posted this three years ago….in honor of this important day, I thought it appropriate to re-post.
Today is one of those days when we are reminded to do something we should be doing every day. Honoring and thanking past and current Veterans. Veterans are very Real People who have decided to take an extraordinary career path by entering the military to serve our country and protect us all.
For the majority of us, imagining what it is like to go through military training and active service is just that — something we can only imagine. It is a service that we hear about, legends and stories we learn, and news and images we see on TV. But it isn’t something that most of us truly experience. And I know that at least for me, it can be hard to wrap my head around what our Veterans have seen, done, sacrificed and endured.
Especially humbling are those Veterans who gave their lives fighting for us and protecting us, and all of those who have been somehow injured in the line of Duty. They all deserve our respect and gratitude. Then there are all of the other Veterans who walk among us today, or are off right this very minute answering the call.
My Dad fought in the Korean War. His stories he has told us over the years never cease to amaze me — nor do the stories I hear from other Veterans. They are truly awe-inspiring. Today I am also thinking about the very Real Women who are somehow connected to the Military. I think about the women Dad left behind when he went to war. What was it like for my mom, his then fiance, to hope and pray he returned? She was only able to speak to him once the whole time he was off fighting — when Dad was granted leave to Japan and spent hours in a hotel room just waiting to put a overseas phone call through. Or his mother, who was collecting stubs of candles to box up and send to her son and the other troops so they’d have light to use at night on the front lines.
Sure, technology has changed, and the wives, girlfriends, mothers, and sisters of our troops today have a bit more opportunity to stay connected — but the anxiety and worry can’t possibly be any easier.
And today, of course, are the Real Woman who are serving in the military. They have gone through unbelievable training, and have left family and loved ones, even their own children, behind to serve our country. I like to think of myself as a strong women — but I can’t hold a candle to any of them. I am in awe.
Today, as I go about my safe, peaceful, easy, happy civilian life, I will think about, honor, thank, and respect the Veterans in all of our lives who do what they do so I can have the life I lead. They are Extraordinary Real People.
Real Women 
My dad also fought in the Korean (forgotten) war. I wanted to enlist, but he wouldn’t allow me to. Now I wish I had pushed back and gone into the Navy, like he had. If I had one do-over, that would be it: enlist in the United States Navy. Oh well, maybe in my next life. 🙂
Your post resonates with me. I was alone for three months while my husband was somewhere, I knew not where because his mail was censored and he wasn’t allowed to divulge, nor say anything derogatory about the army. What few letters I did receive were inane, boring and just not like him. It was as if he was being watched when writing. When he did manage to smuggle out a “real” letter with someone who was returning home, I got the true picture: underfed troops at the end of the food chain, with nothing to do other than wait for something to happen (thankfully, it didn’t).
Thank you for sharing your experience. So glad to hear he returned safely.
It was very nice for you to spread your remembrance of the soldiers. Rest in Peace all those who served in the war.
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nicely written, and thank you to all of our current and past veterans. Especially our female troops, extremely proud of anyone who has or is currently serving our country.
Happy Veterans’ Day. Well said.
Bless our Veterans! Happy Veternans Day!!!
Indeed extraordinary !
When I went through jump school at Ft. Benning 268 candidates began that class. Three weeks later they pinned wings on 42 of us.
Three were women. My beret is off to them.
Reblogged this on Cake for Your Thoughts and commented:
Wonderful thoughts about today’s reason to be thankful….Veterans and the women behind them.
Always rightfully proud with veteran. They are the real hero
wow she’s beautiful 🙂
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My husband is currently serving in Afghanistan. Hopefully, he will return to use sometime next summer. Your post brought me to tears. It’s so much harder than they make it look like on TV. I have two children with special needs and then keep me on my toes that’s for sure. 🙂 Thank you for your support.
Thank you to your husband for his service. I will say a prayer for his safe return. He is a hero, and so are YOU!
Thank you, hun. That means a lot. Some days it’s harder to remember why we are putting ourselves through this. Admittedly, this past weekend was like this. I truly felt like I needed to read this blog post. 🙂
Well said. There are a couple images of the “Real Women” of which you speak in my latest entry from north of the border. http://zhouxingyu.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/the-poppy-and-the-piper/
It’s very true, without them, we would be far behind! Even the civilian women who’s husbands went off to war and they took over all the male jobs, the farming, the labour, the machining and ammunition factories! Hats off to all of them!
Ive always wanted to join the army but I have not got the guts to do it. Your post is extremely right and makes you grateful when you think about it.
Well said. Happy Veterans’ Day!
This is a great dedication tribute to your dad and all the heroes who have fought and continue to fight for this nation. Saluting to all the veterans!
I totally agree with you. The soldiers aren’t the only fighting, with every soldier there is an entire family involved. with every death a family dies somehow. still the medals are only for those who are in the spot light, nothing for them who suffer with him every second and every minute.
Thank you for this post and for your support. It means so much, not only to the men and women serving in the military, but also to the spouses and children they leave behind. Thank you.
I saw the title and got so excited to read this post. How wonderful. We forget all too often. Our veterans deserve more than just one day of honor, everyday is veteran’s day. This post was really great, thanks for sharing and congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Nice article
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I love this and thank you for sharing and reminding us all that freedom is not really free….
My grandfather-in-law was part of the Philippine Scouts during the Second World War – I wrote about this interesting piece of our family history for Veterans’ Day this year – http://nmguiniling.wordpress.com
love your post. the veterans should be honored! and you honored them just by mentioning how great they are…
I am 3rd generation military, and the first woman in my family to serve. My grandfather was Army, my father, Air Force, and I was Navy. I am proud to have served with all my brothers and sisters in arms, and I have great respect for all the families that get left behind whenever we have to leave on our missions.
Thank you to you, and your family, for your Service!
Thanks for your post
Thank you for this excellent reminder. Note – women have served in the Armed Forces for a long time. My mother is an eighty-nine year old veteran of World War II, having served in the WAVES in Hawaii as an aerial gunnery instructor and bomb truck driver. A brief description of the WAVES can be found here – http://www.womenofwwii.com/navywaves.html
What a great story about your mother, and interesting description of the WAVES and their service to our country. Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful story.Thank you for sharing it!
Thank you for the amazing reminder – men and women alike deserve our thanks. We are always telling our twin girls they can be and do anything they want to be or do. What an inspiring story, I shared it so maybe others can find inspiration and remember to give thanks as well. ❤ http://www.ecomom22.com
Well said and thanks from an Air Force wife!