Our Favorite Veteran

Growing up in a semi-sheltered suburban household, I didn't give much thought to Veteran's Day. I never questioned it either, as it was a day off school or work.

When I was 12, I visited the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC. I ran my hands over the wall of engraved names, and for the first time in my life, had a tangible connection with a soldier's sacrifice. I didn't fully get it at the time, but as I think back about that day, the heaviness overwhelms me. I can remember looking at the names, and then my own reflection staring back at me. It means something today.

In our house, Veteran's Day is about celebration and remembrance. It's about remembering those who have selflessly given their lives to protect our freedoms, and it's about celebrating our favorite veteran, the one who lives in our home. Ryan (hubby and Daddy, to us) served over eight years in the US Navy, where he was deployed to Puerto Rico, East Timor, Spain, and Kuwait. When he was home, he spent almost 1/3 of his time at Fort Hunter Liggett (northern California). We missed him a lot, but he was proud to do his duty. Although it was hard on our family, a change in his plans didn't come until October 2006 when Emily was born. He once saw a buddy return home to a son who ran the other way because he didn't recognize his own dad. Ryan decided that the active duty life was not the best for us. He was honorably discharged in September 2007 and we moved home to be near our families. By January 2008 he was enlisted as a reservist with the California Air National Guard. He is still serving today.

Today, say thank you to a veteran. And pray for them, to the God who is the only way to true freedom. FDR thought it best to pray before D-Day, and he led the nation this prayer:

Almighty God,
Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.
They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. Men's souls will be shaken with the violence of war. For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home. Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.
And for us at home - fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them - help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice. Many people have urged that I call the nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace - a peace invulnerable to the schemes of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil. Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen.

Someday, Emily will hear the stories. She will know where her Daddy's boots walked, and she will know the giver of real freedom. Until then, we'll pray. Continually. Not for conquest, but for liberation. And we'll say thanks, for a life dedicated to service above self, something God calls for, and something we are so proud to have in our home.