I've been watching [u]Band Of Brothers[u] and I'm struck with conflicting emotions.  First of all gratitude for a group of men (along with many many more) who paid the price for the freedom I so richly enjoy, and second shame that I've never done anything to earn that privilege. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, to all of you who have served in uniform in the cause of freedom, Thank You!

Jerry

Jerry tell me something,

You served yourself, I am married to the military - but now, my son has an appt. with the recruiter on Tues.  How do you reconcile being a parent to the military???  I'm not so sure I can do this, and yet it's not up to me to decide *sigh*

Cat

I never served.  I was at the tail end of the Vietnam war, and the draft was cut off just before I was to be sworn in to the Marine Corps.  My recruiter suggested I go to college and consider the Corps after school and becoming an officer instead of enlisted.  I got married instead and never did go in to the Marines. 

What do I feel as a parent? Absolute pride!  I'm proud my sons are willing to step up to the line and defend my freedoms.  Do I have fear for them? Actually no.  Both of them are convinced they are in the will of God serving in the Corps, and they are just as safe there in God's will as anywhere.  I trust God's purpose for their lives.  Do I get anxious sometimes? Yes.  When Rob was in Iraq I spent a lot of time praying for him, and when Mike goes to Afghanistan next year (if things remain as scheduled) I'll be praying very hard for him too, but I can rest with them in God's hands.  Does that mean they are protected from any harm or death?  No, but I leave that to God to determine.  Frankly, Rob was safer in the Al Anbar province of Iraq (statistically) than he would have been driving on the roads around Chicago.  They are in God's hands wherever they are.

Jerry

Every time I meet these youngsters, I'm stunned at the level of dedication and....I guess... quality. I can't think of a better term.

Charlie

I was in Atlanta waiting to catch a flight home once and a whole platoon(it seemed like) came in to catch their flight.  The entire area was filled to over-flowing and every single person got up, some slauted, some with hands over their chests, all of them started singing "God bless America"  The marines all smiled and looked bashful but I know they appreciated the standing ovation they got.

Just to type these words, makes me re-live that day and get goose-bumps.  It was an awesome sight.

Jerry...those also serve who sit and wait.  I know that was meant for wives, but I believe it can mean parents also.

If I may (I hope you don't mind) tell you all a little story.  In St. Louis this Jan.  Jerry, Linda and Jim and I went out for lunch at a Bob Evens.  I went out for a cigarette and noticed a very dirty, very shabby American flag flying in their parking lot.   When Jerry and us got back in the car he noticed it too and made a call to the restaurant on his cell telling them to please ask the manager to replace that flag.  He told them he had 2 sons who are serving under that flag and it was in very bad repair.

I sure hope they did Jerry.   

We currently have 3 flags in various states of disrepair awaiting delivery to the boyscouts;  Clark is a scout leader, and he always makes sure the flags are sent to them so they can be properly retired.

I too hope the manager took care of that flag, and disposed of the old one in a proper manner.

And yes Linda, it includes parents too;   from Terry Kelly A Pittance of Time:
Read the letters and poems of the heroes at home
They have casualties, battles, and fears of their own
There’s a price to be paid if you go, if you stay
Freedom is fought for and won in numerous ways

Cat