This is repost from 2007, I thought is was worth sharing again.
The temperature was in the mid twenties and snow covered the ground, as I passed houses adorned with Christmas lights I felt the sparkle of Christmas joy within me. In an unfamiliar neighborhood, I searched in the darkness for the home of a very special family. Upon entering, I felt like I had stepped into Christmas. This home of Austrian immigrants was beautifully decorated for Christmas, with platters of goodies all around and the faces of friends to greet me, I was feeling especially good.
This group of four couples all share a special bond. We had each been the recipient of the infamous knock on the door with two uniformed servicemen awaiting us on the other side. Yes, we were all the parents of sons who had been killed in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There were no tears shed that evening. We told stories, laughed, reminisced, and ate lots of food. As the conversation turned to things of real importance, I felt a sense of awe as I realized the true patriots I sat among, their depth of character and true love not only for their families, but for their country.
As we spoke of our sons, as we usually do when we are together, not once did anyone say, “if only he hadn’t gone,” “why did my son have to die,” or “what are we fighting for.” Instead, we spoke of the awesome privilege it is to live in the United States of America, something most people simply take for granted. Bob Lehmiller, father of Sgt. Michael Lehmiller, killed in Afghanistan August 21, 2005, talked about previous wars and the enormous casualty rates they had suffered. We each acknowledged that the casualty rate in our current war is extremely low in light of the great accomplishments that have been made. It was mentioned at the start of the Iraq invasion, servicemen were told to expect 30,000 casualties in the first 30 days. Here we are at 41/2 years into the conflict with a casualty count of about 4,000. Although our personal losses are deep and painful, the overall cost in American lives has been extremely low.
It has become clear that for some of us, parents of sons killed in combat defending our liberties, we see this as a “special duty” we have been chosen for. Our sons paid the highest price possible and we who remain behind are now charged with the responsibility to carry on where they left off. There is so much to do. We have been called on first to be Americans who support our nation no matter the cost. Then we go out into our communities and help others recognize the need to step up and be participants of patriotism and not simply partakers. I am often amazed after finishing a care package project for the troops where dozens of people have volunteered their time, effort and money, to have someone come to me and say “thank you for letting me help.” You see their excitement knowing they have a made a difference in the lives of American servicemen on the other side of the world. They don’t keep their excitement to themselves, they share it with others and their patriotism shows just a bit brighter.
The Lehmillers travel to events across the nation in their truck decked out in camouflage, a Purple Heart and tributes to our military, promoting Operation Salute which supports servicemen and their families in times of need. You’ll find many families of the fallen involved in projects and organizations that are making a difference for our servicemen and our nation. I have found that those who have lost the most seem to have the most to give.
As I started for home that evening, I felt joy and peace in my heart knowing I am part of a very special group of people. Although we miss our sons terribly and feel thier loss every moment of the day, we are proud parents who are honored to serve our nation.
To Whom It Would Be of Interest,
ReplyDeleteI wrote this song to thank Our Troops around the World and would be
honored if you would accept these Words!
I thank you and God Bless!
Beholding Beyond Words
Beholding Beyond Words To Our Servicemen And Women
Stationed Around The World In Far Away Places
There’s Not Much We Can Say To Thank Them Enough
For What They Go Thru Each Day In The Rough
But: Give Them Our Thanks
Give Them Our Love
Give Them Our Regards
For a Safe Return
We Praise and Raise Our Hands To You
That Earned the Honor That We Now Bestow
We Salute You For A Job Bravely Done
And Applaud Your Courage In The Face Of The Unknown
Defending Freedom
Defending Liberty
Defending Peace
At Home And Abroad
For The Past, Present, And Future Generations
Duty Will Always Be An Honorable Citation
To Stand The Ground That Freedom Upholds
To Endure Engagements Where Ever They Unfold
Defending Freedom
Defending Liberty
Defending Peace
At Home And Abroad
For Those MIA’S, POW’S,
Fallen Soldiers, Who Gave All They Could
We Will Search For As Long As It Takes
You Are Not Forgotten And Will Always Be
In Our Hearts
In Our Prayers
In Our Minds
For All Time
These Immortalized Soldiers Whose Bravery Abounds
They Are Sisters, Brothers Heroes Profound
They Enlisted For The Duty At Hand
To Serve The Cause Of Country And Land
They Serve With Honor
They Serve With Valor
They Serve With A Pride
That Will Change Them Forever
To Our Forces Standing Tall And Proud They Be
Our Country’s Behind Them In A Solemn Sea
So Let The Flags Of Freedom Fly
Unfurled In Their Majesty High
In The Sun
In The Rain
In The Wind
Across This Land
These Are The Things Our Country’s Made of
These Are The Things We Cherish And Love
So Let The Flags Of Freedom Fly
Unfurled In Their Majesty High
In The Sun
In The Rain
In The Winds
For All Time
Jerry Calow ( Copyright 2003 )