We went to a big memorial day service at a church downtown yesterday and it was something. They did a salute to all the different wars America has been involved in, with a special tribute to the Vietnam vets at one point, for as they mentioned, they have been so forgotten. There were a TON of veterans in attendance.
One of the most moving moments was during a narration/music about Vietnam, and a man started sobbing behind me saying, "Saigon, Saigon" over and over. I was bawling, everyone around us was bawling. They had a replica of the Vietnam vets wall up, and in one of the dramas, a soldier (a man who had really been in Vietnam) was putting his hand against one of the names. At the end, the wall suddenly lit up and there was a soldier on the other side putting his hand up to the wall (touching the other's hand through the glass). I think I've seen a drawing of this somewhere, but it took my breath away to see it in person. The little man who was crying behind me suddenly stood up and snapped a salute to them. We were all crying. Another Vietnam vet near him stood up straight and proud, saluted him and they turned and saluted the wall together. I don't think I'll ever forget that till my dying day. It made me think of my husband's dad and all he went through during his two tours in Vietnam, as well as eventually dying from cancer caused by Agent Orange exposure.
Our older two children were with us and we talked later about how we can read and talk about wars and history so much, but actually being with people who were there changed completely how we looked at it. It was indescribable.
Another moment was when they had the WW2 vets come up to be thanked. There was an older gentleman (who reminded me of my Grandpa --a WW2 vet now living with Alzheimer's), and his daughter who helped him come slowly up the aisle with his cane. He got teary during the tribute and she leaned over to him and said "You didn't know so many people cared, did you?" We all cheered and cheered for those of that greatest generation and tears rolled down his cheeks. I'm still teary thinking of it all! It was overwhelming! I think it was truly healing for some of those men--especially the Vietnam vets--who have never been properly thanked for their service.
My husband was there in his DCUs (desert cammies) with a contingent from the base, and he called them to attention and they saluted the giant flag, then marched out during the salute to troops involved in Operation Iraqi/Enduring Freedom. WOW. They were sharp! He was deployed to Iraq during their first free elections in 50 years, and I couldn't be more proud!
I don't think we've ever had a more meaningful Memorial Day.
Which brings me to some news....Steve was 'tasked' this past week for another deployment to the Middle East in the fall, and he'll be gone until after the new year. He's been home a year from his first Iraq deployment. I know others who have gone more often and for longer periods. But the fact that he is leaving again so soon has left me with an overwhelming feeling of dread and weariness the past couple of days. I don't like being a single parent to 4 kids, and I'm not looking forward to it one bit . We will get through it--we don't have a choice. And I am reminded of Jesus saying "My grace is sufficient for you". It's so true. There's no way I can even get through one day alone, and circumstances like these remind me to let loose of the control I think I have when I am really not in control for one minute. My littlest one realized that Daddy will miss Christmas and she is struggling with that to say the least. Thanks in advance for your prayers!
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Posted by Kimberly
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