The Heroes Amongst Us

Veteran's Day may not be as somber as Memorial Day, but it is a time to show our thanks and appreciation to all men and women who have served our country.

I've not experienced either combat or war and try as I might, I don't believe I'm capable of comprehending it or understanding how it impacts the individual that does. I do believe it is important for my children to at the least, be aware that our service people are heroes for the very simple reason that they are willing to give their life to serve our country.

The person I've most used as an example for my daughter is my step-grandfather - George Hutter. George passed away this year and is buried at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. He'd been sick with a variety of problems over the past few years and my daughters didn't see him as much as they had when they were younger. For this reason I was pleasantly surprised, not to mention more than a little proud, when my older daughter Alexa told us that she picked George as the person she most admired for a school essay. Here is what she wrote:

My great grandfather George passed away on June 1, 2007. He grew up in the coal region. When he graduated from high school he had two choices: either join the army or work in a coal mine. He chose to join the army. He traveled around the world. He received two Purple Heart and two Bronze Star medals. He fought in the Korean War, which came first, and the war in Vietnam. He retired from the army after 25 years. Then he met my great grandmother and they got married. He adopted our family as his own. The were married for thirty years.

He lived close to us and I remember going to their house and he would be so happy to see my sister and I. The last few years his health conditions became bad, and he spent alot of time in the hospital. I am very proud to have a great-grandfather like him who risked his life for ours and who cared for us.

Individuals join the armed services for a variety of reasons, but they all share a commonality that is uncommon amongst the rest of us - a willingness to put their duty over all else and give their life if need be for their country.

Today especially, but on any day, recognize, remember and pray for our nation's veterans and service people - they are the heroes who walk and work amongst us.