Ask a Wife of a Veteran

Why is this holiday important? What does it mean? I think we often take for granted the freedom we experience everyday. This site wouldn’t exist in some parts of the world. I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have if I didn’t live in America. My family has benefited from the military and we are very grateful for what we have experienced and learned. My husband served in the Navy and it was during his service time that afforded him the opportunity to obtain a Bachelors degree and a Masters Degree. The skills and valor he gained while serving in the Navy led him to his current employment position. I also think that the foundation for our family grew out of the time when we were apart and forced to communicate in writing and on short phone calls. It made me realize the importance of people in my life and not taking them for granted.

I just want to say I appreciate the sacrifices the soldiers make for our country. I also know the amount of sacrifice every person who knows and loves that soldier makes. I remind you to take a break from your celebration at 3:00 PM on Monday and thank a soldier.

Here is a poem that reminds us to remember. It was buried among the dead during Word War I. It was written as a result of a soldier witnessing the death of his friend during battle. The symbol of the poppy flower resulted from this poem and is often sold by Veterans to raise funds.

The title piece of In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, 1919, Written by:John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.