Veterans Day isn't just for Veterans

[bmdad]

Every year when Veterans Day roles around I always have mixed emotions. I'm have so many happy thoughts about the wonderful Marines I was so fortunate to have served with. It brings back so many memories. Granted, there's probably not a day that goes by where I do not think about them. It's just when Veterans Day is here my mind tends to wander more. While serving you become so close to your fellow Marines. They are your "fill in" family while overseas. You spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only time you somewhat don't spend time together is at night when you're sleeping and dreaming of your actual family thousands of miles away. My fellow Marines were there for me whenever I needed them. Not just physically but also emotionally. My daughter was born March 19th, 2003, the day we invaded Iraq. I was in Kuwait at the time right across from the Iraq border. I knew she was going to be born that day due to the c-section being schedule a few weeks before. It was so difficult knowing that my wife was at home, in the hospital, scared and excited all at the same time. She probably had some of the same thoughts that I was having at the exact same time. I knew she was in good hand due to my family and here family being there for her. I am still saddened I wasn't there for the birth of my daughter but I am fortunate I was able to meet her. I have a few friends that weren't so lucky.
Veterans Day isn't just about the Veterans. We aren't the only ones that had to sacrifice. Family members also had to sacrifice. Although we were the ones overseas fighting, I can promise you that we had the same emotions and thoughts constantly running through our heads. But likely with most those thoughts turn into happiness once we return home. But what about the ones that didn't return home? They are the real heroes. Not just the Veteran, but the wife of the veteran, the parents of the veteran, and the siblings of the veteran. The are also heroes for having to endure a lifetime of sadness.
Like I said above, I always have so many mixed emotions on Veterans Day. I am lucky to have been able to meet my brothers for life. Some of those brothers I can call on occasion and catch up. But for some of my brothers, I have to speak to them through prayer. We looked after each other while training. We looked after each other when on liberty, we looked after each other while at war. I lost a few brothers during Operation Phantom Fury while cleaning up the city of Fallujah.The are the true heroes along with their family. A day doesn't go by where I don't think about the time I was able to spend and serve with these amazing Marines. To this day I often wonder if I should have done something different. I wonder why it wasn't me instead of them. But I do find peace in knowing they died doing what the loved. Many only hear the negatives about Operation Enduring Freedom. I can assure you that most loved what we were doing over there. We saw the changes in the Iraqi people. They lived in fear while under Saddam's power. They lived in fear right after the war started. But the now live in happiness knowing they are free. So I know my friends death wasn't in vein The died for a cause. Marines aren't scared of death if they know they will be dieing while helping others.
So remember, Veterans day isn't just about thanking a veteran, it is also about thanking the family members and especially the family members who lost a loved one.

Semper Fi

THE FINAL INSPECTION (For Michael, Juan, Eric, Nathan, Kevin, and Robert. You all will live in my hear forever)


The Marine stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you Marine,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Holy Church have you always been true?"

The Marine squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

(author unknown)

[PromisedLand]

applause...

[dominosarah]

What an amazing tribute to everyone on this day~~~~~sara