This time last year, giselle-lx made a campfire that touched so many of us in a profound way. I'd like to start this campfire with a bit of a quote from it:
I don’t think about it [the fact that we are not, as a world, at peace, and to remember those who give their time, talents, energy, and occasionally their lives, in the service of the civilians of their countries] because others do.
I don’t spend time worrying if my loved one is going to return to me alive, or in one piece, or worry about what kind of mental distress they may be in. I don’t fear for my own life and health working in a warring location. I don’t see the utter destruction that war causes to all sides up front and in my face—it’s printed on a newspaper page, or on CNN, or on the internet, where I can safely ball it up, turn it off, or navigate back to ADF. And that’s possible because there are hundreds and hundreds of thousands who are facing those realities on my behalf.
So I’ve shifted . . . . if you don't need to think, like me, and it’s not in your face, and you don’t have the visual reminder often to think about those who serve your country, whichever country it may be, I urge you, wherever you are, to take a second today to think about it, to honor, and to thank.
November 11 is Veteran's Day, or the many other names you might know it by (Remembrance Day, Armistice Day . . ). And, for many of us, it's a day near and dear. We've had brothers, or sisters, or parents, or grandparents, aunts, uncles, husbands, wives, children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors who have given a part of themselves to their country. To serve and to honor when that service has been called into question; when it's taken them away from their families and their loved ones; when it's demanded of them to be strong in circumstances that often strip many of their strength. Through the hardships and the successes, there is no denying the sacrifices veteran's have made for their countries.
So if you're a veteran, share your story with us. If you have a loved one, share theirs. Share laughs and tears. Pictures and memories. Let's take the time and honor and thank our veteran's for their service, whatever country we're from.
And we even have a group of amazing women frolicking around the forest who have personally served their country, and I'm so proud to be counted among these strong and beautiful ladies: Melba87, GrownAssWoman, Jamie, Mscherrybomb, Jezunya, TLammy, The Mominator.
Thank you for your service.