Hop on the World Wide Web today 9-11 and you can’t help but remember what an awesome country we live in. There are postings, pics, and video’s everywhere paying tribute to our men and women who fight daily to keep the United States of America free.
For those of you who know me – you know how dear this is to my heart!
I’ve always had a love for my country. In 1982, I married Hubby who was then serving in the Army. Our first duty station was three years in Germany. Those three years made me appreciate even more the conveniences, freedoms and make up of the good old USA. There is much to share, but I’ll stick to just a few things.
During those three years, the bases we were stationed at were being bombed almost daily it seemed. We were searched as we came and went to see if car bombs had been planted under our cars. I worked at a hospital and actually took the phone call of a person who phoned in a bomb threat. (a story to post at a different time) It was crazy times, nothing like this south Texas girl had ever experienced!
After living there for a year we were able to come home for a couple of weeks for a visit. As our plane landed in Houston, I’ll never forget the urge I had to literally get down and kiss the ground as you see so many soldiers do in pictures. My heart still quickens and my eyes water as I remember back. I was glad to be back in the USA and at home in Texas. I had a new found love for my country and the men and women who served.
We journeyed back to Germany to finish out our last few years and things seemed to get crazier there, as well as here Stateside. By 1985 when we were eagerly awaiting our reassignment to come back to the states, we heard news that people were burning American flags back home – because they had a right to. Mind you I was young, 23 years old, but that didn’t settle well. I would have given anything for those flags – they were precious and stand for something I can’t even put in words.
I could go on and on about that subject alone, but it was about that time that Lee Greenwood came out with his song and video, “God Bless the USA”. It was the number one song and playing everywhere when we finally got stationed back in the States. I would watch the craziness happening on the news, think of our men and women serving, and sit and cry because people just didn’t get it. That was 24 years ago, my friend.
I still cry to this day.
Last week I had the opportunity to join Eddie on 91.7FM or KBNJ.org to promote the Living the Life conference coming up and he asked me to join in on prayer time. As Eddie gave me my cards of people to pray over, there was one for a family whose son was heading to Iraq this week. I handed the card back to Eddie and said, “I can’t do this one, it’s yours.” You see I can’t pray for our men and women serving with out crying and I refuse to cry out over the radio waves. Sorry Eddie!
Yes, I’m remembering – I live in the best country ever! I hope you think so too.
This is the best country and we need to pray for it and all those who serve to keep us safe. Glad you shared this. Only 6 days til LTL!
It brings me to tears also when I think about those serving our country and how so many people take them for granted and "just don't get it" as you said!
One of our sons joined the Marine Corps just a few weeks after 9/11 happened. He was on one of the first tanks that rolled across the Iraq border when the war started. He served two very hard tours in Iraq. (was severely wounded just days before time to come home during his second tour) During the second tour his best friend that he has been in the same company with since boot camp was killed. About that time I came down with the worst back problem I have ever had. The doctor said a lot of it was just from stress. When I mentioned that to one of my friends I'll never forget what she said to me…."WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO BE STRESSED ABOUT?" I just looked at her with my mouth sagging open! She didn't have a son going without food and water and daily hygiene or sleeping on the ground or being shot at 24/7 so she just "didn't get it"!
Well, I didn't mean to get on my soapbox! ha
Love the new, fresh look of your blog! And the updated picture!
God bless you!
Marilyn…in Mississippi
Beautifully said, Alene!
I grew up an Army brat, so we would have to pledge to the flag at the movies, at certain times outside and at most any other event.
Everyone around me respected the flag and our country; it was just a way of life, and I loved it!
Our comfort and safety comes at a high price, and all the people who serve deserve our gratitude!
Thank you for your sweet messages and stories! Love you gals.