Everywhere you look anymore, there are the magnetic ribbons that say, "Support our troops." Every time I see them, I think to myself, "D0 they really know what it means?" Do they know its more than just buying a $1 magnetic and sticking it to your car? I know for many it is the fear of another Vietnam, when our soldiers came home to be shunned, spit upon and in some cases, harrassed and intimidated. It's almost like people think they can put the magnet on their car and it excuses them from any other "support".
Cole had an eye opening experience a few years ago at Walmart when he was in his uniform. Little kids looked at him in awe, older people smiled, thanked him or told him their stories, but we had a couple of women who did something that surprised Cole but didn't me. As they were walking towards us, they separated so they were on either side of Cole, pushing me off to the side. They, then, pushed against Cole from either side , jostling him around before walking on. Cole looked at me in surprise and asked, "Did they just do what I think they did?" Yep, sure enough, he was just hassled without a word being said.
Not everyone is fortunate enough to be an American soldier, or married to one, or a child of one or the parent of one. Not everyone has to agree. But common decency and respect is one of the best ways to support our troops, those now serving, those who have served and those who have died for us. So the next time you see a soldier in uniform, or a vet, hold the door for them, listen to their stories or give them a simple Thank you. So, the magnetic ribbons are nice but so impersonal---make your support personal!
To my Dad, Mom, Uncle, Brothers, Nephews-in-law and my incredible son: Thank you for your sacrifices!
Happy Memorial Day!
I never knew that it was so bad. Being in a Navy town I never see it happen. I do know that a lot of women with husbands serving don't even respect what their husbands are doing for them and it makes me sad. I guess that is what happens when you grow up in the wrong environment. I'm happy I have the family I have. Love reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteAmen! I'm amazed at how un-courteous many people are (in general). They obviously weren't raised by parents who had a strong moral sense of right and wrong. And as I think about that, I consider that my mother was raised by a WWII veteran and my dad served in the Air Force. In spite of sad stories we hear through our media, there must be something good going on.
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