Thank You To Our Veterans

Sunday at church, and the previous Monday at my Rotary, we honored the Veterans in the room by having them stand and applauding them.  Whenever this happens, usually as a part of Memorial Day or Veterans’ Day recognition, I am moved to tears as men and women of all ages proudly stand up around me.  In my Rotary, there are many who have served our country in the military, and still several from World War II.   On Sunday, when our minister, a Vietnam Veteran himself, asked for all Veterans of to rise, only one was present from WWII.  His name is Buzz, and I think of him as a wise and gentle soul. 

Buzz, now a mostly-retired mediation attorney, helped me through my own divorce almost 15 years ago.  He, like my Dad, my uncles, my step-dad, are all or would be in their eighties today.  My step-dad, no longer with us, was at Pearl Harbor on board the Maryland, when Japan attacked.  I remember how he would lose his stiff-lipped composure and fight back the tears whenever he stood for the playing of the National Anthem at ballgames.  He died almost 20 years ago from cancer.  I still miss his stories about growing up, riding the freight trains as a teenager during the Great Depression, and earning his way with hard work and strong character to become a major player in the dairy industry here in Sacramento.  He didn’t talk much about the experiences of war.  I know he lost many comrades in battle.  He sometimes questioned why he was spared.  He didn’t make it to his 80s.  Many have, and are now, like Buzz, standing if they can, and being honored by those of us who are benefited by their sacrifices.

Sunday afternoon I visited my Uncle Ed, also a WWII veteran, at the Sutter Roseville hospital.  He can no longer rise to his feet to be honored for his service.   I got the call from my cousin Sunday morning that he may die at any time.  All of his children were gathered at his bedside.  My Aunt Betty, a second mom to me, succumbed to cancer eight years ago.  Now my cousins are saying goodbye to their dad.  I’m reminded to be grateful that both of my parents are still living.  My Dad’s in Louisiana and Mom’s here living about a mile from me.  She continues to inspire those of us who know her with her energy and enthusiasm for life.  She’ll be 83 in December.  Dad celebrated his 85^th birthday last May.  He’s dealing with Parkinsons and shuffles when he walks.  “Getting old is not for the faint of heart,” he’ll tell you.

I have clients today who are sacrificing for the current conflicts we are involved in.  Right now, I am hoping to get them settled near the wife’s family in Dixon so she’ll have support while her young husband heads to Afganistan.  We’ll be using their VA loan.  We’ve been looking at houses, and we’re hoping to have them into a new home near family before the husband ships out for active duty.  Their children are now ages two and three.  They miss their dad who is preparing for duty at Camp Roberts and has already been gone a month.  I helped this couple find their first home, watched them become parents, sell that home and move to a larger one, while welcoming their second child into their family.   I’ve seen their family grow and know the sacrifices they are making.  Flash forward 60 years and I hope they will be the elders being honored for their service to our country.

One of my other clients always ends emails to me with “All gave some, some gave all.”   I understood more when we began applying for his VA loan.  There’s a pride in being a Veteran, and an honor in being eligible for a VA loan.  So, I honor all of the Veterans today even as I pray that we someday learn to live in peace on this beautiful planet.