I received a Veteran's Day reminder from the first lady...
Veterans Day provides us with the chance to mark the debt of honor we owe to all those who have worn the uniform of the United States. We remember those who gave their lives beneath our flag, in service of our freedom.
And with so many still fighting, we owe special thanks to the courageous families of those who serve.
Because when our servicemen and women deploy overseas, their loved ones are left to undertake heroic battles of their own at home. The unique challenges they face in support of men and women in uniform allow us all to enjoy the freedoms of our democracy.
Every time I have a chance to meet with these families, I'm struck by their strength and their quiet dignity -- they are truly some of the most selfless, courageous people I've met.
And today is also a day to acknowledge the sacrifices these brave men and women make every day, and pray for the safe return of those they love.
I've felt their calling personally, and I want to encourage Americans across the country to step up and do more for our military families. Take the time to stay informed about the concerns and activities of the families of service members in your community. Let them know you recognize their struggles and appreciate all they do.
You can help by finding out the needs of the military families in your community and volunteering, from working with your local school's PTA to hiring a military spouse.
Today and every day, I am moved by the personal sacrifices made by service families. And I'm humbled by the patriotism of those they support -- our soldiers and airmen, our sailors and Marines.
Today, if you can, please take a moment to offer your gratitude for the families of the veterans and active service members that you know. Or go online to serve.gov to find out how you can serve military families in your area.
Sincerely,
Michelle
______________________And with so many still fighting, we owe special thanks to the courageous families of those who serve.
Because when our servicemen and women deploy overseas, their loved ones are left to undertake heroic battles of their own at home. The unique challenges they face in support of men and women in uniform allow us all to enjoy the freedoms of our democracy.
Every time I have a chance to meet with these families, I'm struck by their strength and their quiet dignity -- they are truly some of the most selfless, courageous people I've met.
And today is also a day to acknowledge the sacrifices these brave men and women make every day, and pray for the safe return of those they love.
I've felt their calling personally, and I want to encourage Americans across the country to step up and do more for our military families. Take the time to stay informed about the concerns and activities of the families of service members in your community. Let them know you recognize their struggles and appreciate all they do.
You can help by finding out the needs of the military families in your community and volunteering, from working with your local school's PTA to hiring a military spouse.
Today and every day, I am moved by the personal sacrifices made by service families. And I'm humbled by the patriotism of those they support -- our soldiers and airmen, our sailors and Marines.
Today, if you can, please take a moment to offer your gratitude for the families of the veterans and active service members that you know. Or go online to serve.gov to find out how you can serve military families in your area.
Sincerely,
Michelle
I am imploring you, urgent as a warrior dragging his limbs over the desert’s shrieking floor, to allow peace to deploy the truth of our grave debt.
Over the air our warriors steady the bomb to plummet down, fix the scope to see a home with twenty-twenty eyes blinking miles from zero. From above falls a certain death, a certain loss, a certain knowledge that everything’s gone wrong, and flesh and bone crack like ice.
Letters will not suffice, not do, they are as disconnected as the shattered limbs. Our warring teeth are cracked and filled with dry bones gathered from the saturated ground. The sacrifice of brave men and women seems to have fallen into a trance of words, me and I and mine and rape and murder, a world without learning or thought of kinship, nothing but dishonor, grins, words and swagger.
But what of love? What of the killing of those that had no choice in our bravery, that chose not to fight or enlist or die? What of their sacrifice, their joy, their honor, are they not equal?
This is Veteran’s Day, perhaps we should fly our bombers over the world, over our brothers and sisters, and drop cards and flowers to say we’re sorry.
© 2010 by mark prime