Today was an enjoyable day. It ended with Ellie having a fever, but with the miracle of medicine, the fever was down within half an hour. We went to the "Casing of the Colors" ceremony today for Tom's unit. I always enjoy watching the traditions unfold in military ceremonies. I never really cared for standing at attention while I was in the military, watching the traditions unfold... big difference!
At the beginning, we all "saluted" the flag during the national anthem. Ellie asked me what we were all looking at. I pointed out the American Flag and she said how pretty it was. Of course she didn't understand the significance of it, but at least she recognized it. She even put her hand over her heart (after I asked her to). It was so cute!
One of the things I wanted to say to her, but knew it was above her comprehension, was that that flag is what Daddy is protecting. Its because of that flag that Daddy has to go away for a little bit and help everyone stay free. So tonight, I want to express my gratitude for my husband's patriotism (as well as my own, in a way). It takes a true self-sacrificing patriot to join the military. It doesn't matter what branch, or if you believed you only enlisted for the college money. You knew the risks of being a service member, and only a patriot would sign on the dotted line.
Americans have taken so many things for granted. Watching this ceremony, and hearing what the distinguished guests had to say about the unit and the soldiers in it, renewed a sense of pride within me. I know that there are going to be difficult times ahead of me because of Tom's choice career, but it because of him and people like him, that our nation has been kept free. We are able to believe in whatever we choose. We vote for the members of congress and senate. We vote for our president. We are able to choose our own professions. We are able to deny military servitude. America is a great and unappreciated country. The soldiers need more recognition, and yet, I'm happy that I'm still connected to it through my husband. The soldiers, and their families, are the ones who truly show real appreciation for what this country, and the men that fought before us, have given us.
"Patriotism... is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." ~Adlai Stevenson
Good night.
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