AuburnChick's Adventures

About three years ago, during my subbing days, I witnessed a student refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance or even act respectfully as it was being played over the school’s television circuit.

Afterwards, I said a little something to the student about it.  I realize we all have the right not to pay homage to our country, but I was still disappointed.

She told me, “Well, I hate America.”

She had no clue.

I saw the following image online today, and I really wish I could have had it in my hand that day to show her…

Though she was a teenager, you can never be too young to appreciate the fact that others willingly choose to put their lives on the line daily to guarantee our freedom.  You’re never too young to be thankful for those who went before and DID pay that price.

On this Veteran’s Day, let us remember, and let us be thankful.

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Today is Veteran’s Day. It is the day set aside to honor all of the Americans who fought for this country’s freedom. It is also a time when we give thanks to those currently serving in the armed forces.

I’ve got to admit that I’ve been a bit lackadaisical in the way I’ve observed this holiday.

Oh sure…I have always had the day off.  But, after giving the obligatory “thanks,” I’ve focused more on the fact that I could sleep in or catch up on household stuff.

Today was different.

Rooster’s high school band was playing in a local Veteran’s Day parade, so we had to be downtown by 8am.

Oy, but it was hard to crawl out of bed at 6:40.

I dropped him off at the meeting point and drove down to where the parade would end, parking my car there. I then hauled my 40-year-old self back to the original location…a distance of a mile.

This doesn’t sound like it’s very far, but when you’re old like me (at least according to the kids) and out of shape, it can seem like five miles.

I hoofed it and arrived with plenty of time to spare.

Then, I waited while the kids warmed up. I I do love hearing the band play.

We lined up and adorned ourselves with the beaded necklaces that the school’s principal had brought to us.

We were festive looking.

Before I knew it, we were hitting the road. I walked on one side of the band, keeping my steps timed with the line I was walking beside.

As we made our way down the parade route, I was impressed with the number of people…young and old…who had showed up. Nearly everyone waved American flags.

It was the older people who got me the most. I have watched a lot of historical documentaries. It was easy for me to imagine them serving aboard naval carriers or walking the forests of Vietnam.

They applauded as the students played patriotic songs.

Probably the neatest section of the trip was the shopping district downtown. It was here where the crowds were the thickest. Between the crowds and the taller buildings, the music and cheering became magnified.

It was very moving.

I can only imagine what it must have been like in the days immediately after WWI and WWII had ended…when soldiers came home. I have seen pictures of the ticker-tape parades. What joy must have swelled the hearts of all who attended.

Participating in today’s parade made me see things in a different light, and for that I am very grateful. I now understand why people turn out for events such as these.

We should take every opportunity to remember and honor those who unselfishly give their time and, often, their lives so that others can enjoy the freedoms promised in the Constitution.

Thank you, Veterans.  May God bless you and your families.

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