Happy Veteran's Day!

"I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, "Mother, what was war?" ~Eve Merriam

"Lord, bid war's trumpet cease; Fold the whole earth in peace." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

"It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you."
~Dick Cheney

Today is Veteran's day. Veterans' Day is holiday formerly observed in the United States as Armistice Day in commemoration of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I. November 11Th officially became Veterans' Day on May 24, 1954, by act of Congress. A lot of people get Veteran's day and Memorial day confused. Memorial day is for decorating the graves of love ones who have died. Veterans day is to Honor the Surviving Soldiers who have stood in defense of the Untied States. For many years the Vietnam Vets were the largest group of Veterans. It is now estimated that the Veterans of the current war will equal if not surpass the number of Veterans from any previous war.

My brothers, David, Jimmy and Reuben are all Veterans. My Husband Dave, is a veteran. Dave's Dad was a veteran; as is My oldest son Anthony and my nephew David. Two of my Brother-in-laws, Lawrence and Lennie, are also veterans. Both of My Mom's brother's, Robert and JC, were veterans. I have lots and lots of friends including both Artie and Chris who are veterans. My brother Reuben reminded of the fact that we come from a long line of veterans. Thanks Reuben!


Some of America's most famous entertainers, such as Clint Eastwood and Tony Bennett, started their career in the armed forces. Before they were famous, many celebrities served in the U.S. military. And famous veterans, such as Tony Bennett and Montel Williams, developed and honed their talents while in the service. These famous veterans are proud to have served their country and most credit their success to the lessons learned while serving. The list of entertainers who have spent time in in service to their country also includes Bob Feller, the legendary pitcher for the Cleveland Indians; Actor, Director, Screenwriter Alan Alda; and Comedian, Actor, Author Bill Cosby. As we celebrate Veterans Day this year, we remember all service members (famous and non-famous) who have served this country. We thank them for defending our rights. And protecting the lives of each of us.

When I was a little girl and even into my teen years we would, every once in a great while, go out to eat after Church on Sunday afternoon. We didn't go to a local restaurant. We didn't go to a fast food joint. We would all load up and drive to Augusta. Where way in the back, between the shoes and the knitting thread, we would all line up and go through the lunch counter line at the K-Mart's diner. There was always an old man there that Daddy said was a Vietnam veteran and Mama said not to look at. Mama was afraid of him I think.

I would sneak looks at him trying to see if I could see what made him frightening . I often got caught looking at him and would get in trouble. He was a stranger and in some ways he was strange. He always wore a black vest with all kinds of badges and buttons on it. He wore holey blue jeans and wore out shoes. He had a dog leash with no dog and just gave the general impression of being not quiet right. He had an American flag sewn crooked across the back of his vest. Sewn on by his own hands I imagined. I spent a lot of time imagining back then and no matter how hard I tried not to look at him, my eyes would go to him again and again.

Years later when I was almost grown I saw him again in the Regency Mall, sitting in a wheel chair then, in the center of the mall still smiling and laughing with his "dog gone" and a few newer stuffed animals in the chair with him. Still wearing his vest full of badges and buttons. This time I got close enough to him to see into the deep sparkling green of his eyes and there, I saw that he had lived through many trials and tribulations. I even spoke to him but it was not until I was turning to walk away and catch up with my friends that I spotted hanging just above his heart Two of the Military's highest honor Badges. The Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

I gave him a big hug that day, praying that Mama wouldn't somehow catch me. He smiled and patted my hand and with a laugh he told me that he sure was glad that I had stopped by for a visit. Mama would have tore me up if she had caught me but I was thrilled to have met him. I often think about him even now. I'm sure he died long ago But something about him touched my heart and made me look twice and even more at him. I can't even imagine what he must have gone through in service to this country, But I'm sure it was no walk in the park. You don't get those medals for walking in the park! Today I am sharing two poems that I wrote about soldiers. I hope you enjoy them. If you know a veteran thank them today for giving their all to defend those of us who live here in America! Have a wonderful day!
Patsy

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Soldier's Prayer

Lord

Hold close

Your children.

Our Pains eased

By your loving touch.

Give us strength to endure.

Wisdom and courage each day.

Keep Our loved ones safe from harm.

Oh Lord, Let our Deaths be not in vain.

Lord Watch over us as the winds of war

Blow us onto paths we fear to walk alone.

We know you walk beside us every day.

Never Forsaking us as we trod.

Let us return home full of pride.

Having served Our Country.

And Our God with Honor.

Hold us safely now

within your hand.

Amen!

Written By:

Patricia Sawyer

2-6-2008

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Just One Time

Just One time Lord

I would like

to wake in the

first morning sunshine

without a cloud of dust

swirling into red and gold dunes

of sand!

Just

One time, Lord

I would like

to kneel and pray

for my family and my

fellow soldiers without my

weapon waiting at ready within

my hands!

Just

one time, Lord

I would like

to smile at a child

or a beautiful young woman

without the fear that they conceal

a bomb to explode as soon as they get close

to me!

Just

One time, Lord

I would like

to spend a day here

in this war torn Land

without looking over my

shoulder for an unseen enemy

waiting for his best chance to

kill me!

Just One Time, Lord

I would like

to Walk with My wife

and my children and feel again

whole and pure and freshly clean.

As if I had never smelled the stench of death.

Just one

final time

Lord

Before I die

here in this

war Ravaged place!

Written By:

Patricia Sawyer

3-9-2008

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for your information~ A "dog gone" for those who don't know is a dog leash with a collar, stiffened with a wire hidden inside. When you walk the collar will swing and sway and it's little bells will ring as if the collar restrains an invisible dog. for a funny story about my own personal "dog gone" be sure and look back to my post called a Double Dog Dare! Thanks!

Patsy