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Super post, Need to mark it on Digg
Martha,
I am a mother of a son who belongs to the Indiana Naitonal Guard. I want to thankyou for the kind and generous words that you had spoke in this video. My son gave up his school to deploy with his unit. His family, friends and I are very proud of him and all the others that have left with him. On June 6, 2009, a ceremony was given to the brave men and women that were deploying. It was a gloomy day out, a chance of rain, but it turned out to be a very emotional and wonderful day. We were able to see our warriors one more time before they left. Thanks again for the kind words and all the prayers that everyone is sending to our brave men and women.
I am the Proud mother of a Marine/Army Reserve DAUGHTER. She served because of her fathers 2 brothers are Marines. One is dead and the other is sick due to service in Vietnam. I have 2 Uncles who served in WWII,One in the Navy the other in the Army. I also have a sister and brother-in-law and my youngest brother all in the Army. So my grandfather in the Civil War or the other wars of the late 1880's or 1890's. So you see my daughter has a long family history of service. Her father died before she enlisted but I am very sure he would have been PROUD of her too.
I am the very proud mother of a soldier currently serving in Afghanistan. Thank you so much for your words and the sentiment behind the words. Some people say the words and you can tell they are just words. You say the words and I can tell they are heartfelt and honest. It's difficult having a child in harms way but I am so proud of my son and what he is doing to help secure our Nation at risk. 'Sleep in peace tonight, my son has your back' May God continue to bless our children who have made this their life's work and may God continue to bless the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
I just want to say that my son is telling me that he is getting ready to go to the Marines.. Iam not reading for this but I have been reading all of the posting and well.. I also will be reading when its time for him to go . I love him dearly , but this is also what he wants to do .. MOTHERS WE HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB OF RAISEING OF SONS AND DAUGHTERS .. GOD BLESS US.. and OUR GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THEM.. I WILL BE A PROUD MOM . A MARINE MOM.. thanks to all of you that have posted . I will pray for .
bless the soul of those who sacrificed their life for us to have a better life. I pray for those who are on the line of duty of men and women all over the world. I bless and pray for those who are in governments to guide us for peace, love and understanding of each other. I pray for the soul of those who sacrificed their life to give a better one. I pray for those who are weak in spirit to be encouraged, for those sick that god give them health, for those who long for love to have abundance of love. May you have peace with God, happiness and true abundance of anything your spirit desire. My prayers goes to all of you.
Dear Martha, Your expression of thanks to the parents made my eyes filled with tears. My son is Major in the Army and has been to many places and faced all kinds of trying situations which we ordinary civilians cannot even imagine.
People have often asked my wife why you sent your only son to the army. Even my Father has been pressurising us to call our son back. But it is her innate bravery which has kept us from losing our peace in face of so many instances of dangers our son has put up with.
You words of thanks to the Mothers is what every civilian should repeat to appreciate what our children offer to the armed forces and to defend their country.
Gold bless
Professor (Dr) R.K.SINGH
Thank you for your kind words of remembrance and gratitude. Just a note: it is a BLUE star banner, not silver, that is placed in the window to represent a loved one actively serving in the military in the current conflict, which is replaced with a gold star when that loved one has given their life. But again, your thoughtful words are gratefully received.
Thank you Martha for everything you said about our military. It brought tears to my eyes and i agree with all the heart felf people, moms and dads, sisters and brothers, aunt and uncles , sons and daughters. May God bless you all and may the souls of your lost ones live forever.
That being said I would like to talk about why I asked not to recieve any more e-mails from your web-site.
Maybe I do not understand and that is why I am writing. People here mention God and I know the bible talks against The Horoscope and the muslim relgion who teaches against christian belief. Why does the website here bring in Horoscope for people to click on and Muslim religion who does not recognize that Jesus is Lord and we must learn his ways.
Maybe I do not understand. Is this website for everyone to have peace and harmany leaving god out? He says in the Bible what he wants and if people are not with him they are against him. He wants peace and harmany, but his way.
Thank you Martha for your kind words for those of us that have sent our young men and women off to war and know what the freedom of this great country means. My son is a Marine and served in Afghanistan last year with the 2/7 and was injured but survived. I was fortunate to have him home on leave recently and not a day goes by that I don't thank the Lord for sparing him. There were 20 of his brothers that did not make it home, how my heart ached for their moms on Mother's Day. My son just reenlisted, something I did not think would be possible when I received that phone call last July 21 that he had suffered a head injury. God bless our military.
Thank you Martha for your beutifull words. As a mother of an Eagle Scout,
marine we are very proud of him serving this great country in Iraq we
pray every day for him and all serving man and women that are defending our
freedom.
I just wanted to thankyou for your video that you posted in honor of the parents of a solider my brother was born on vetrans day.... he went to iraq two times and was in Kosovo too... he was staion in germany then went on to kentucky where he became a Drill sargent... my brother passed on Jan 5,2009.... He loved his country and loved his famiy.. I miss my brother so very much sometimes I just dont understand why hes gone.. I know hes in a better place... I now am a person who proudly wears a gold star in memory of my broter and my mom is very active in the gold star moms.. I hope one day to be involved as a sibling as I miss my baby brother too much.. He was only 28 at the time of his passing... I fowarded this video to my mom as I know she will want to see it and im sure she will cry too... Im having a hard time at the moment but with lots of prayer and support Im trying to move on... everytime I see someone in uniform or anything that has to do with the army my mind goes back to my broter...again I just want to thankyou for your postings and you really did touch my heart and soul.... thankyouo again Vicki Davids Big Sister
Thank You, Martha for your very Heartfelt Message. I am a mother of a Soldier. My Youngest Son SPEC Derek Gagne went in at the age of 18. He was wounded once Nov 20th, 2006 by a Mortar that came very near to him in the Green Zone were he was stationed at Sauter City, Iraq. Three days later Derek lost his best Friend SFC James Priestap by a Sniper. On Jan. 22, 2007, Derek's Humvee was hit by a IED while going back to his base. Derek again lost a Best Friend, He was Brandon Stout from Lower Michigan and their Interpreter who was along side Derek. Derek lost his right leg below the knee, all his toes on the left foot, left middle tip of finger, His left eye, His Nose and bridge between his eyes. He also Died two times before he was transported to Germany. The Doctors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center said that Derek needed to Recoup. for 18 months. Derek was out in Nine Monthes. Derek is the same son that left, Spirit wise,
Good Humor as he did before he left. Derek is a amazing young man. Derek drove A race car in "2008" and place 9th in the point standings, While his oldest brother placed 4th in the same Division. Derek also played Basketball in Mens League in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
He has attened University of Wisconsin in Marinette for two semesters and plans on Graduating in 2010. Derek is going to be Stock Car Racing in two different Classes, Slammer and Street Stock. He also went on a Russian Boar Hunt and he also shot one. Derek's Case Worker wished out of the 200 Soldiers he has that He had more like Derek. Derek is a very positive person and has not let his Disabilities hamper anything he tries to do. Derek was a Grand Marshall in "2007" Armed Forces Parade in "Houghton & Hancock" in the upper Pennisula of Michigan. He has been invited to go up and to be in the this parade every year. Derek is very Modest, Derek says he is not a Hero that he was only doing the Honorable service for his Country and what his Grandfather also did. I'm very Thankful for all the Support, Prayers, and everything that was done for Him. He is my "Greatest Hero." All the Soldiers and Service People that have Served are all my "Hero's" and the United States are forever indebted to them. Freedom is not Free. The United States has Sacrificed plenty of Precious Lives for this Freedom that we have.
God Bless all our Service People and the United States. Put God back in our Country, for We have left God out far to long. My Prayers are with all our Service People where ever they may be. Thank you again for the Very Beautiful
Hello,Martha
Thank You for your comment to mothers around the world just like other mother sons and daughters I have a son that is in the service getting ready for his third deployment.I loved your story a real tear joker but sometimes these are some of the challenges we must over come.THANK YOU!
i am 74 years old before i was 10 i manned a breda machine gun to liberate my city from the germans i have seen my mother cry but her too carried hand grenades for us kids i cried when i read the comments of people that have sons and relatives in this other war may they all comeback i said to my mother more than once tears hurt our life more than bullets please excuse my grammar i never went to school in this coutry (MY COUNTRY) and i finished 3 grades of elementry in italy i went to work at the age of 8 and i havent stopped yet. LOVE johngalliadi@sbcglobal.net
My son is a soldier. Like so many other families, mine has endured the uncertainties of multiple deployments to Middle Eastern war zones. This is a true story of how I was able to stay reasonably sane, practice acceptance, and develop a stronger faith.
Prayers took on a new intensity as I struggled with fear-based thinking. I imagined my God as a parent who loved and wanted to protect his children and visualized placing my son in his outstretched arms during prayer. Gradually, my motherly instincts began to meld with faith in a higher power.
My son brought all his gear to my house before he left the first time so I could help affix his name on everything. It was reminiscent of preparations for summer camp so many years ago except, instead of camp equipment the items we had to mark were battle gear: fatigues, boots, helmets, emergency aid packets, bandages, ammunition vests, vests for protection, and other items mothers don’t like to think about. We talked that day of his childhood fascination with plastic soldiers, hours spent in fantasy battles, and how this war experience would not be about plastic soldiers. He spoke frankly then about the possibilities.
“Dear God,” I thought as he told me where to put his name on his helmet and boots for immediate identification in event of injury. “This is not OK and I cannot stand this.” But it was just the beginning and his wonderful and brave young family and I, would “stand this” and much more.
I adopted the words “all is well” as a mantra in times of stress. As the days, weeks and months of his deployment went by, I would return again and again to this comforting thought that was, for me, an immediate spiritual connection.
We didn’t know where he was most of the time. So, when the car bomb went off at the gates of the Army base at Bagram, we had no idea he was at the explosion’s site and had a major role in the “clean-up” that followed. Our soldiers know we worry which is one of the main reasons they don’t tell us where they are or what they are doing.
Mothers do not raise their sons and daughters to see and be a part of war and killing. But the training they receive must (and does) prepare them for this and other unspeakable things. When they are away we experience a constant underlying sense of anxiety that we don’t even know exists until there is a news flash of some sort and you stop breathing. Human mothers are like mother bears – fiercely protective of their young. I found that instinct strongly reasserting itself when faced with the news of my son’s imminent second deployment. Knowing my worry, he wrote the following letter:
"Dear Mom:
I am sorry for what you must be going through as a parent and understand that now that I have children of my own. No matter how old they become, they are always your children, but I am ready to get started with my new mission.
Mom, don't worry I will be fine. My training has been exceptional and my mental and physical readiness is excellent. I feel a relaxed confidence that only comes to a combat veteran and only a combat veteran understands. A general told us years ago there comes a time when you must leave the motor pool. Someone will always think of reason to go back, but when the time comes, you must leave, and that time has come for me."
His letter marked a threshold crossing of some ancient process between mother and son. Perhaps it was the realization that he had “come into his own.” The rather humorous idea that I could somehow shield him from harm melted away. He was a highly competent soldier with a strong moral compass who would protect others, freedom and democracy with his own life. He accepted and embraced this role with confidence. I could do no less.
Regardless of our opinion about this war, our children are over there seeing and suffering terrible things and, all too often, dying. We can do all the things we did when they went to summer camp: write letters, mail care packages, and pray for their safety, but the deep feeling of unease is only stilled when they come home.
There were times when I became obsessed with news reports from the Middle East. It was then that someone would guide me back to reality. Sometimes, the support came in the form of the simple question, “What can you do about it?” gently reminding me of my powerlessness.
He received two Bronze Stars for Valor in Combat and several other medals from Middle Eastern governments. His employer and the broader community were, and continue to be, wholly supportive of him and his brave family. He received heart-warming welcomes from the moment he returned to the United States and throughout airports and military bases across the country.
These are alarming times and nothing is more fear-provoking than seeing your child, loaded down with battle gear, about to board a plane and travel halfway around the world where people want to kill him. My son has developed his own higher power, as do all sons and daughters serving their country. And even those who may experience war wounds or death are loved by a supreme being where, through conscious contact with a power greater than ourselves, we can face and overcome our fears.
Hi Martha,
Like many others, it took me a while before listening to your video. You see, even though I'm Canadian, I, like many of my fellow Americans, followed in my fathers footsteps and joined the army as well.
My father was your typical Army Sergeant; just the look of his eyes & you knew that you were in trouble :) No need to yell when growing up, My brother & I knew what to do after being told once.
When I decided to enlist, I believed that I had the stuff to be an Officer; with Gods help, I believe I became a good one; always looking after my men first and then me.
I received my first salute from my father; to say that this was an emotional day wouldn't give it justice. I think even the Colonel whom my father worked for had tears in his eyes.
Then one day, I believe I took one of the biggest decisions of my life and decided to deploy to Afghanistan. My father understood my choice but my mother and my wife just couldn't fathom what it meant. Mom knew what she had gone through and didn't want to live it again, even less so for her son. As for my wife, well, as she so fondly made me remember, in marrying me, this part wasn't supposed to be in the equation...
So many ironic similarities happened when I was deployed to Afghanistan; my father had been deployed to Viet-Nam 21 days after I was born; I was deployed 21 days (to the day) after my fathers birthday.
My mother received a notice by 2 Military policemen that my father was "missing in action; presumed dead" on that years Christmas day; my wife received a notice that I had been injured and couldn't confirm the severity of my injuries, on New Years day of my deployment - Luckily my injuries were non-life threatening and I was able to get back on my feet.
I would say that I was proud to serve my Country alongside my fellow American friends to make our world a better place to live. It brings no greater honor than to know that you've done your part to do this.
My father is retired now and I'm pretty much thinking of releasing myself; I believe I did my part. The greatest memories I carry with me are the friendships I made during deployment and the continuing heartbreak for the loss of some of my friends who weren't as lucky as me & didn't make it back home.
Thank you Martha for this video - you touched a great point; so many times we forget the sacrifices that our families - mostly mothers - bear during these circumstances.
God bless you and all my fellow servicemen and families.
Mark
I also would like to thank you Martha. I have a son who is in the Army. He is in Iraq. i also have a new son-in-law who just joined the Air Force. There is a good chance he might be going over to Iraq as well.The Lord granted us three children. He is the only son we have and the oldest. We constantly pray for him and all the other troops that the Lord bring all of them home safe and sound.
My dad served in the army 25 years and went to Vietnam. My husband was in for 10 years and was stationed in Belgium when the first war hit and we were threaten to bomb us.
I love my country and pray for the USA everyday.
One proud and grateful mother
Micheil
I married a wonderful Air Force man and he took me to Europe for a "three year honeymoon". What an eye opener as to what our military sacrifice to keep those at home free.
It was a wonderful and at times lonely life for 23 years we traveled from one base to another. Many times he was deployed and I did not know what
he was doing or hear from him until he came home.
Life in the military is not always glamorous or exciting. Many times the member of the service does a job that is just necessary. As a member of the military family I appreciate their sacrifices and service to keep the rest of the nation free. The television keeps all more aware of just how dangerous the job of being in the field can be. Sometimes it would be better for the loved ones to not be so close to their service member and what he or she was doing. Death can be very quick or long and painful.. However I am
proud to be an AMERICAN and suport them fully.
I am proud to be a parent of a US soldier who is on his second tour of duty in Iraq. Proud of him and all the military men and women who so courageously and unselfishly have gone to war to make this great country of ours, "the home of the free" I wrote this poem on the day my son left for Iraq.
JUST FOR YOU,FROM MY HEART---a poem to my son,Paul
Where did you go,that barefoot boy with cheek of tan?
The years went by,now he's a strong, awesome man.
He joined the military when his schooling was done.
Then off to distant lands...there's a war to be won.
He believes in freedom,for all on this great earth.
And love of his country,the land of his birth.
He would give his all,so we could securely stay..
in this wonderful God's country...My U S A
To those soldiers who stand watch, I salute you.
To the parents who stand waiting for them to come home, I salute you.
From a grateful nation, thanks to all of you and God Speed. May the Lord Bless you and keep you safe.
As a mother of a airman who went in at the tender age of 17 and who is now 22 who has
served in 4 countries including in iraq and who is getting ready to go back for a 2 tour
i pray for him and all the other s who serve i am very proud of him but as any mother can
tell you we worry about them there were time when i would not here from him for weeks
then that call would come early in the morning i would breath a sigh of thanks to the all
mighty for protecting him while hes in harms way
i thank you for your prayers and thanks for he is my hero
his mom and veteran
I to would like to thank all the men and women who proudly defend are country.I have a ex-son-law that did 2 tour in Iraq had to leave his daughter at 2 weeks old.We need so desperately to focus on helping our troops to adjust coming home.My ex son in law came back a different man and not in a good way.please keep him in prayer.
As the mother of a son serving in the Air force I think our children and all the families of military members are to easily forgotten in this fast paced world. Out sight , out of mind. My son did one tour in Iraq and is currently in Afghanistan. I have always told him one thing, Be a Simple Man. To this day I have so much love and respect for the man he has become. Keep these men and women in your hearts and prayers.
I am a PROUD mother of a Marine!!He is on his first deployment!I thank GOD everyday that I have the chance to see him thur the internet or I do not know how I would handle this.We as mothers give birth to this very special person and raise them to the best of our ability and hope to God we did it right! When my son came home from school one day and told me "mom the recuriter will be here tomorrow I never knew my son had it in him until then.When I went to Parris Island for graduation I could not get my head up any higher! As I got off line tonight with him he saw I was crying I tried to explain it was the PRIDE I have for him that is why I am crying. They do not realize we have more pride for them than they do for themselves. As this Memorial Day nears I will have a new look on it,for it is all to real now!!!!My God bless you all that have our children in their prayers,They need them!!
Hello Mrs. Martha you have really did it this time this video is so heartfelt. I can feel something coming through the screen and hugging all the viewers that have experienced sending their treasure off to defend our great country with their lives. We could never repay that and for those parents, wives, husbands, and children that have to be bold and hold up, not knowing what's in store, my hats off to them. Courage is something we don't all have a lot of, some but not that much. I taught my children that this country we live in and your family and friends is worth standing up for and it doesn't stop at saluting your flag . You have to be willing to die for your country, but other peers teach them negativity. I should have focused a little more on being a leader instead of follower lol. The soilders that protect us certainly deserve a salute for being brave and willing to die for what they believe in(this Country). I love you ! I lost love ones due to complications after World War One, but they held on a while they did make it back. Be Blessed !!!
Martha, last but not at all least, my daughter knows Jesus Christ of Nazareth as her Lord and Savior. It was this power that brought her out of Korea and Iraq. No doubt.
Thank you Martha for being the angel of mercy you are. I am the most grateful mother of a soldier who completed a 15month tour of duty with the 94th Army Engineer Battalion in Iraq and returned home in this past December. Her dad passed away previously as the result of a service connected injury, he was in my life for thirty years, and gave the military that many years of his life. It was this time of year when he passed away. Our daughter stayed home with me for eight years afterwards, worked her way through college, and decided she wanted to use her skills serving our country with the military. My only daughter, she is. My heart goes out to all the men, women in uniform and their families. May we all learn how to receive the peace and love God wants so desperately for us to have.
From a very grateful military mother, and an honored un-remarried military widow.
Martha, I am a 71 year old woman that thanks God every day for the love of my husband and I know in my heart that God took care of him while he served his country during the Viet Nam war. He spent 4 tours over there in the Marine Corp defending the South and trying to set those people free. He came home safely and God was preparing him to come into my life. To all those wives, mothers, sisters, fathers and brothers we never know what life has in store for us, but with faith and believing we can come out ahead and stronger. God Bless you Martha for paying the tribute that we all need.
Today is a very special day. My son's 28th birthday!! He is home safe with his family after serving 6 years in the Army. Tours in Irag and Korea. I am so very proud of the man he has become. Now serving the Lord and very active in our church working with the youth. I am so very thankful that God brought him safely home to us. I know his witness touched many lives while he was in the Army. He now has direction in his life that as a teen he wasn't sure where he was going. GOD BLESS ALL THR TROOPS!!!
I am the proud, blessed Mom of Sgt. Kenneth Betz, 101st Air Assault, Ft. Campbell KY. They just came home from Afghanistan on May 9th, after 15 months. Ken has also served in Iraq. I am so very proud of him, so thankful he made it back from both wars safely, and that he know Jesus as his Saviour. He and his wife Jessica have given me the most wonderful granddaughter, Nevaeh, it's truly a miracle that he's home and safe. He's going to be a drill sgt. for the next 3-4 years, so he won't be deploying again, praise God. Thank you to all the people who prayed for him, and all the soldiers, who sent packages, notes and love, it means more than you can realize to hear from home, that people are praying and thinking of them.
Our son is a combat Marine and has served two tours in the Western Anbar Province in Iraq. He is home now safe and we thank God for guiding his footsteps, extending his grace, and bringing him home to us unharmed. Thank you so much for taking time to make this video. It truly has substance and is heart felt and appreciated by Debbie and I. Only parents with loved ones in harms way will understand and the sacrifice you are speaking of....Steve and Debbie.
Thank you so much for the tribute I have just read. We do not as a nation support our armed services as we should, but I know that many individuals do. I was looking for encouragement for my soldier, who is in training for infantry. He needs the encouragement so much, but didn't realize how hard it would be for me as a parent. Only God knows what he needs. I respect his decision to join the army at 31 years of age, but know how hard it is for him. Thanks be to God for being with him when we, as earthly parents, can't.
Like so many others I've read about here, our family has a long military history starting with my dad who was a WW II U.S.Marine. I have been a military wife for 29 years; proudly supporting my husband's navy career. We now have 2 children on active duty and our 16 year old son aspires to join special forces. We proudly display our 2 blue star flag ..... and pray we never replace one blue star for a gold. Martha, I cried when I watched your video. You speak so eloquently and with heartfelt gratitude for our military, past and present. So many who have posted comments here already have military in their family; I thank each and every one of you for your commitment and sacrifice. We know how it is to send those letters and care packages; to have to celebrate birthdays and holidays missing our loved ones; and sadly, in some cases, to have death knock on our door. I can't imagine how I would ever deal with such a turn of events -- it's not in the big game plan for a parent to have to bury their child. But sadly, it happens.
I'm also thinking that many who are posting comments here have no connection to the military and are wondering how they can support our troops? PLEASE consider adopting a soldier through any of the dozens of web sites that can be found on the web. My son and I have done this and it is truly a labor of love; and I involve him so he has an appreciation of the sacrifice our active duty make. We became aware of a navy SEAL who was deployed and had not received even one piece of mail. So through his OIC we sent a care package with hand written notes. We received word that during mail call when his name was announced he just sat in stunned silence almost refusing to accept our small package. But once he opened it, he immediately shared the treats inside with his buddies .... as they had done so many times with their care packages from home. Since then we've 'adopted' a soldier in Iraq; who has safely returned home -- I will always cherish his hand written letter thanking us and sharing with us his experience in the war. And our current 'adopted' soldier is in Afghanistan. The packages don't have to be elaborate or expensive -- and the flat rate boxes are free from the US Postal Service. The web sites give excellent suggestions of items to send. He mostly asked for reading material which my son selects; mags such as Popular Science, Time, and Popular Mechanics, etc. Many friends give us their mags once they are read which helps to keep the cost down as well. Our most recent project is in response to a military doctor in Afghanistan who has requested pencils and copy books for the local children who have absolutely nothing. These modest items help to build trust and friendship with the locals. In our 29 year military career, our most fond tour of duty was our three years in the Philippines where I was active in the area outside the gate. The best experience we had was sharing our home with other children from the local orphanage -- only I believe they gave more to us than we could ever have given to them. As young as they were, our own children still remember these experiences and have fond memories of living in a foreign land.
Prayers are always needed and a care package to go along with them is such an easy task compared to what our sons, daughters, and spouses face every day in a war zone. PLEASE adopt a soldier/sailor/Marine. Your heart will fell lighter when you do.
Blessed and proud to be an American - Denise
i have 3 sons ages 8,15.and 24 and 1 daughter age 18,my only daughter graduated from high school last year and she joined the army.11 days after she turned 18 years old ,she left to go down south to be in the army,she is a 108 pound strong willed girl.her job is a helicopter repair person.this august,will be a year that she has been in the army,she is very strong willed and does not take crap from anyone.thru these last few years,we did not talk,but we are working on our relationship.as we have recently been talking to one another,even tho i know that she may not believe me sometimes.i do love her and miss her very much.i am proud of her,she wants to make the army her career.in october of this year,she is sapposed to go to iraq,and she is not scared,but i am ,i pray every day that the war would end and no other mothers or fathers have to lose another child.my daughters name is amber rose,and she is in georgia right now,i just want everyone to know how proud of her i am..love you amber rose,,love mom
I finally got up the courage to watch this video. I have a hard time with emotional stuff like this. My only son, PFC John Atkinson, is currently serving with the U.S. Army's 96th Transport Co.out of Fort Hood, TX. He has been to Iraq once already and is looking to go again in October 2008. He tells me not to worry about him but he is my baby
and only son. He was 22 yrs. old when he decided to enlist and before that he just drifted
about with no purpose to life but drinking and partying and not taking responsibility for
his life. After Basic Training I noticed a change in him but after being to Iraq - I saw
a maturity about him that I didn't know he had. His 3years are up in Texas next January
and he's planning to reenlist and make a career out of the Army. If someone would have
told me when he graduated from High School that this was going to be his lifes' work --
I would of laughed in thier face. He has come so far in the last 8 years and I AM SO
VERY PROUD OF HIM AND ALL OF THE MANY SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN WHO WORK TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY!!
Thank you -- Iris
My grandson is one of the 3,400 Indiana National Guard that a ceremony was held for them on 2 Jan 08 in Indianapolis. They all went to Georgia for training till March. His Aunt and I went down for the weekend (his Mother did not want to go). We were not told exactly when they shipped out. His Aunt and myself gave him five SASE and asked him to send us one a month. He called me twice while I was home and once when I was gone. He does not write to me. I think it has something to do with his sister and Mother. These troops have a greater advantage then the one that went to Viet Nam. First of all they were trained in field gear and conditions that they would be going into. Second they did not go alone, they went with their friends/buddies. I just pray that each one of them returns safely. I military wife, mother, grandmother from Indiana.
REMEMBER AND HONOR THEM NOT ONLY ON MEMORIAL/VETERANS DAY BUT, EVERYDAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to give you a BIG THANK YOU ! I am a mother of 2 sons who are serving in the U.S. ARMY. I also have a son-in-law who serves in th U.S. COAST GUARD. I also have a little brother I raised after our beloved Mother's death, who serves in the U.S. ARMY and will be retiring in 3yrs. I also have a sister and her son {my nephew} who serve in the U.S.ARMY. So, all together I have 6 of my close family members serving our country with PRIDE. I can not tell you the Pride I feel towards them and their fellow soldiers whom are all someone's loved one.
I have seen first hand what war has done to my sons and my brother. They leave as bright eyed,eager young men fresh out of high school, and return grown men with shadows behind their eyes,and sad stories in their hearts. They too have missed births of their children,first steps,the first tooth and deaths of loved ones. They miss all the little and big things that happen at home. Do they complain ? NO !!!
I asked my eldest son whom has had some of his comrades die in his arms, what do you think of the protesters that rally around the funerals of our country's TRUEST HEROES ? Because it angered me that they could be sooo disrespectful ! With pride in his voice he answered me, "Mama,that is what I fight for, the right to freedom of speach,the freedom to protest,all of our country's rights. So, that it may be that way forever. That is what the men of past generations fought for and it's what I fight for." I just can't tell you how PROUD I am of him ! Not only him but, ALL SOLDIERS, PRESENT AND PAST !
This time next year 4 of my family members will be in Iraq. All I can do is support them to the best of my ability and PRAY ! Between all 6 there has been a total of 8 tours to Iraq already. 3 by my brother SSGT.RICHARD WORKMAN who is leaving this week for another tour, 3 by my eldest son SSGT.RICHARD CONERLY who became a recruiter after his tours and is currently the #1 Recruiter in ALABAMA, and 2 tours by my youngest son SGT.C.G. CONERLY who leaves in January, right before the birth of his child. My sister and my nephew leave next April to go on their first tours to Iraq. Luckily, my son-in-law BM2 CLINT WILLIAMS is stationed out of Morgan City right now and protecting our coast and saving lives all the time. Luckily, His wife/my daughter is close enough to visit.
ALL I ASK IS THAT WHOMEVER READS THIS WILL PRAY FOR MY FAMILY,AND *ALL* THE OTHER SOLDIERS/COMRADES IN ARMS.
REMEMBER, THEY ARE HEROES, BUT AS MY SON TOLD ME,"THE TRUEST SOLDIERS ARE THOSE WHO COME HOME IN A FLAG COVERED COFFIN."
SINCERELY HEARTFELT AND TRUE, MEREATTA
I am the mother of a young man who decided to join the Army his senior year in college, because he felt like 9-11 was his generations Pearl Harbor. He graduated Boot Camp on May 10, 2007 - the day after his 24th birthday. I was so proud of him and the decision he had made during this time of war! On July 30, 2007, he was sent to Baghdad, Iraq. I to was scared, but I was so PROUD OF MY ONLY CHILD! He did come home safe after 6 months in Iraq in January 2008. At this time he is preparing to go back in April 2009. I teach high school and actually have students that refuse to stand during the pledge. I just tell them that these young men and women are fighting and protecting our country so they can act like that and that I feel sorry for them. Thank you so much for thinking of these young men and women - it means so much to a parent, spouse or child. My prayers go out to the mom's that have a child overseas. I have been there and believe me the prayers do help! Cindy
MY SON IS 19 AND LEFT FOR BOOTCAMP MAY 21. HE IS GOING TO BE A MARINE. HE IS MY SON, MY BEST FRIEND. I AM HAVING A HARD TIME DEALING WITH HIM BEING GONE TO A POINT OF ME BEING ILL. I'M SO VERY PROUD OF HIM!! HE IS SO DETERMINED. GODBLESS ALL THOSE WHO HAVE AND ARE SERVING AND GODLBLESS THE LOVE ONES WHO HAVE TO LET THEM GO. I'M PRAYING FOR ALL. LISA
Dear Martha,
Thank you for this beautiful tribute . I am another Mom whose son will call home again and say Hey Mom..I love you! My son and only child Cpl Nicholas Manoukian was killed in Ramadi Iraq Oct 21,2006 just 6 weeks into his second deployment.He was 22 yrs old.Nick had just married his high school sweetheart while home on leave July 2006. Nick was proud to be a Marine and especially proud to be the Lt.s radioman.Nick lost his father when he was 12 and I know that they are together now in the arms of God.One day I will see them again and there won't be anymore goodbyes.....or tears.My son was very creative and loved to draw,play his drums and write poetry.This is a poem he wrote to his wife...
"Saturated lips gone dry from not being kissed
Tender skin now tense from not being touched.
Hearts that race have lost their pace..
All because of love's worst enemy-distance"
Heaven is only a breath away.... God Bless you,Mary Manoukian Calhoun
Thank you so very much for your thoughts and comments.I am th ePROUD ARMY MOM of Robert Ft. Stewart Deployed Lisa
I want to thank you. I am the mom of a United States Marine. I am filled with pride for the choice he made to serve our great nation. He had plans for college but decided after 9/11 that he would serve our country. It terrifies me but I am so very proud of him. It saddens me to see the media coverage of all the people who do not support our military. It is because of America's brave sons and daughters that we are free! I have friends who have lost their sons in Iraq, they have paid the ultimate price. I thank you for the supportive words. In this time when you hear all the negative garbage out there against our military, a kind word goes a long way. I actually bawled while I watched it. Thank you again, for myself, my son and all of the parents of our brave military.
Thank you for your beautiful message! My son is with the 1st Battalion 9th Marines presently serving in Iraq. I fear for his life
every second of the day. It is so refreshing to know there are wonderful people like yourself who care about our Men and Women serving this great country we live in. Thank you and God Bless!
Thank you for your words of encouragement and for thinking of our sons and daughters. My son will be leaving to Iraq in the second week of June, 2008 and I am so very scared for him. Please kindly keep him in your prayers, his name is Armando Adam Navarro and he is my baby boy. He was born on 9-11-1989 and was very affercted by the events of 9-11. His heart is in defending those that suffered so that fateful day who had no chance to defend themselves. I applaud and understand his sence of honor, but my heart is heavy knowing that he will be in harms way. Thank you so... for having a thought for us parents who have to allow our sons and daughters to forge their own futures as they see fit.
As a vietnam veteran I am moved almost to tears by your beautiful tribute to our service men and women. I lost a brother in law one week before he rotated home and ten days before his wedding, I visit him on that long black wall and cry right along with all the other vets and not just for him, but for all my many friends who occupy places on that wall. I am against throwing away all the sacrifices our troops have made in the middle east as we did to fifty eight plus thousand who paid the price in Vietnam, I applaud the thousands of families who support our men and women, I grieve with those families who have given their family member to a cause they may not believe in, but support the troops non the less. Lastly I thank you from the depths of my soul for the moving and eloquent tribute you paid to them all. God bless and keep you in the palm of His hand and grant you everlasting peace.
Michael Houston USN SEAL (ret)
Thank you for your beautiful tribute to our men and women and their parents who have made and are making tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom. My brother PFC Stephen Pickett was KIA on December 14th,1967 in Cu Chi, Vietnam. He had a college deferment and wasn't going to be drafted but he chose to enlist to protect the country and freedom he loved.
One month before he died he wrote "We were well informed about the demonstrations by both sides. Even though I'm here, I still have an open mind, realizing, of course that an immediate pullout or anything of the sort is out of the question. It would degrade the heroic deaths of those who never returned because it would mean going back on everything that we have done. There are many here who feel as I do, but we continue to fight for the country in which we believe."
I believe those words that my brother wrote 40 years ago, still hold true for today.
My family had 2 blue stars (not silver as you mentioned) in our window. My other brother, Douglas was serving in the Navy also in Vietnam and returned to escort our brother Stephen home. Then we proudly displayed one blue and one gold star. God bless all our men and women and their families, who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Let's keep the true meaning of Memorial Day alive so that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. God bless our troops and God bless America.
Vicki Miano, Bronx, NY
Thank you for your beautiful tribute to our men and womenand their parents who have made and are making tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom. My brother PFC Stephen Pickett was KIA on December 14th,1967 in Cu Chi, Vietnam. He had a college deferment and wasn't going to be drafted but he chose to enlist to protect the country and freedom he loved.
One month before he died he wrote "We were well informed about the demonstrations by both sides. Even though I'm here, I still have an open mind, realizing, of course that an immediate pullout or anything of the sort is out of the question. It would degrade the heroic deaths of those who never returned because it would mean going back on everything that we have done. There are many here who feel as I do, but we continue to fight for the country in which we believe."
I believe those words that my brother wrote 40 years ago, still hold true for today.
My family had 2 blue stars (not silver as you mentioned) in our window. My other brother, Douglas was serving in the Navy also in Vietnam and returned to escort our brother Stephen home. Then we proudly displayed one blue and one gold star. God bless all our men and women and their families, who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Let's keep the true meaning of Memorial Day alive so that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. God bless our troops and God bless America.
Thank you for the Video, I would like the parents,every fallen heroes who served in Iraq or Afganistan to know WE WILL NEVER FORGET. We have a scholarship program to honor them. Matt Maupin Captured in Iraq and missimg for 4 years and finally returned to us on March 30, 2008 was the reason the Foundation was formed. For three years while he was missing we gave scholarships in his honor, in the amount of $170,000.00. This year we honored one Fallen from each state, Plus 48 for Cincinnati Tri State area. The scholarships are given in memory of the fallen,the parents or spouse then make the choice of school and senoir it is given to. Keith Maupin say's "People to soon forget and we are not going to let that happen." To recieve a scholarship in honor of your Hero, contact
Yellowribbonsupportcenter.com . I also have a son in the army and has served in Iraq, so I know the pain that comes with this war. Continuing to support our troops and finding our other POW/MIA's , seems to easy the worry and pain. God Bless all who serve and those at home waiting.
Until they all come home and there is peace in IRAQ and Afganistan
You understand a soldiermoms prayer and spoke so eloqently about what it must be like for the parents of a soldier. My youngest son was in Iraq for a year. His right hand is injured and the surgery isn't giving him alot of motion. But it's a very small injury compared to the many wounded soldiers I have heard about. So if it sounds strange I would like to tell you I am grateful he is hurt just enough to not get sent back and I know that won't make sense to many, but these are my feelings as a mom. Not my son's. He'd go back if he could. And I would be here for him and proud. But for a full year I wondered each morning 'is he safe?', 'is someone trying to kill him right now so far away from us. And when I get a quick email saying "Im ok" after a battle has been fought I breathe again. But I breathe just long enough to remember that this was just one day, and please God get him through another day so I can read those small yet huge 2 words 'Im Ok' again. I was afraid of my phone, and I was afraid to answer the door. I was afraid to watch the news and I was afraid to sleep in case I'd miss a message from him. He is my hero, a good soldier and I am so proud of him so I have to stop being afraid now, because he is back. Sadly they came home, less one soldier. We are both trying to readjust our life back to before, or some semblance of 'before' he was deployed. So thankyou from my heart for your loving words. God bless you always, Debbie Floyd, Proud Army Mom
I would like to thank Martha very much, This really touched my heart, I lost my Father in the Korean Conflict, And I grew up with out him. I know what the children now days that have lost a parent in the Iraq War Miss their parent wheather it was a father or mother the loss is too great for a child to have to endure. My husband is a Korean Conflict Vetern. And he tells me stories of how it was over there. Thank You again Martha. and GOD BLESS US ONE AND ALL.
One last thought Why can't people learn to get along with each other?
Having a son who served in Iraq, this was a beautiful tribute. Is there any way to get a written copy? I would love it for my scrapbook. Thank you for your kindness.
Thank You Martha for thoughtful words from the heart. I am a Veteran from Vienam era and You have touched many peoples hearts. I have read many comments from your readers and it is very touching and so meaningful that we are not forgotten and to those who are still serving. Yes, many times we as veterans don't particularly like to talk about our experiences, but we have been through alot, and yes we have missed quite abit. I would like to Thank You again and also Thank all of those that have responded with there kind thoughts and prayers.
Martha, I am a Mother whose Son didn't come home safely from the war. I lost him on October 31, 2007. Thank you for your prayers and encouragment. I read your emails everyday. My prayers are with all the other families that have lost a love one to the Iraq war. Also, I send my prayers to all the service men and women serving in the war. May God keep them safe from harm.
Suesamlouiesteph@att.net
Sue Frihart.
thank-you to our military - past and present - for this wonderful gift of freedom they have given us. may i live my life worthy of this gift! my dad proudly served in the army for 27 plus years, with tours in vietnam. my younger brother just came back from iraq before christmas and my husband is on his 3rd tour to the middle east. a few months ago i was at mcdonalds with my youngest son, 13, and he saw a world war II vet and his wife eating lunch. my son is really missing his dad this time around. he says he misses his dad showing him how to fix things. my son went over to the vet and told him "thank-you for your service". the guy had to put down his hamburger because he got tears in his eyes. we can never say thank-you enough. my son has decided this deployent that when he finishes high school he will join the military. God bless!
There is no way I can state my feelings as eloquently as you have, but you've said all that I have in my heart. Thank you!
Sometimes Thank You, seems like a small word especially in this case. My heart goes out along with my prayers to all the men and women defending our country for the peace and safety for our children and all the children to follow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the parents of the men and women who are away from them and who have left them to enter the Kingdom of Heaven where the Lord will keep them safe always. I wish that all the government officials will recognize that this needs to stop now, and hopefully can make the major decision of sending all the men and women of the Armed forces home where they can live the peaceful life that they have fought so hard for. God Bless all the soldiers and all their families, and I guess all I can say at this time is that small word Thank you and hope it means enough. God Bless you and keep you safe.
TOO ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN OUT THERE FIGHTING FOR US SO THAT WE MAY LIVE A PEACEFUL LIFE I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND SOUL. AND TO ALL THE PARENTS REMEMBER GOD IS RIGHT THERE WITH YOU AND YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS. MAY GOD BLESS
LINDA
I would like to give God the honor and glory that he deserve for he have trully watched over our men and women here on America soil and those that are abroad. The wives and children are need our prayers as well. Let us continual to pray for the battle is not our but it is God's and in the end he will prevail. Mothers, Fathers, Wives and chilldren hold your heads up because your redemper draw closer. You are in my prayers
I also want to thank all of our men and woman of todays military and all those of all our past wars. I honor their parents and families for raising them and Teaching them to be proud of whom they are and pride for their country. May god bless all of us that are family to the the men and woman that sacrifice their daily lives for our freedom as well as for others freedoms.I pray for both my son and nephew and all of the fellow soldiers daily
I too am glad that there are others that are praying to the Lord to care for our soldiers and their moms but please lets not forget the wives and children left at home. Also we have other heros who put their lives on the line each day for us here at home so we can have fredoms, they are the firefighters and police forces. If you want to have a heart warming experiences walk up to any of these people in uniform and personally thank them as you shake their hands. Your day and heart will be much brighter, these people need our prayers and thanks as well as wives and children,who are making sacrafices of their own for us.
I too have a son - in the Oregon National Guards - who is now heading for Virginia for 2 months for further training prior to Iraq the first of next year. Of course this is very hard for me to even contemplate his going over there, as most parents normally feel the same way. We each have had memories and a lot of us hard times raising them into adults - through many physical challenges they may have had, and the normal rebellious teen years. Yet they have 'chosen' this for their lives. My heart goes out to each mother and father who have sons and daughters in harms way. God DOES know about each one of them and loves them all. (Psa 139). I am grateful for all who have gone before and given us a land of freedom to enjoy. This has definitely been the greatest human sacrifice one could choose.
Thank you Martha and to all the parents, love ones, and friends for supporting our military man and woman. We cannot say "thank you" enough to express our feelings we have for our soliders. Our son is also on his second tour over in Irag and we pray for him and everyone over there to come home safely. Thank you Martha for keeping our spirits up and reminding us all that our soldiers are thinking about us too.
My daughter surprised all, former classmates (class of '93,) teachers, friends and family when she announced some 10 years ago that she chose to enter the Coast Guard. It was a surprise, because she was the typical active, popular student and loved math, academics, cheerleading, dance and singing, nothing which prepared any of us for her entering the service. Though I'm one of the more fortunate parents because she is stationed state side, it is still hard not to be able to visit with her very often. She calls or emails but it isn't the same as seeing her and my granddaughter. During these past 10 years, she has had to deal with 911, death of John F. Kennedy Jr. (stationed in the eastern part of the states at the time,) the various refugees from Cuba and many other experiences, and I know that at any point, she is ready to defend our country as are all the men and women in our armed forces.
Thank you for recognizing what the parents go through and thank you for thanking us. So many times at public gatherings, the honor the serviceman or woman, but do not honor the parents of those who are currently in service.
Thank you.
I am a Gold Star Mother. Iam an American Gold Star Mother. Iam a Marine Gold Star Mother. Iam a Vietnam Marine Gold Star Mother I am a Very Proud Vietnam Marine Gold Star Mother.I am also an Adopted Marine Gold Star Mother and I Dearly Love Every One of "My Boys" and the others who served with them.May God's Light Shine On Them All Until We All Meet Again At Those Heavenly Gates.
My Love To You Martha and Thank You.
Semper Fi
Mom
Martha,
SACRIFICES!
Many citizens, may have to make a sacrifice or two in their lifetime.
May American's be reminded this weekend in particular, the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE!
All of the Men and Women, who gave their last breath for all of us, to be able to enjoy all of the Freedom's, that we still have today!
FAMILIES! who have to be without a loved one, miss births, 1st tooth falling out, 1st laugh, 1st steps their son or daughter takes, 1st Birthdays, 1st day of school, dance recitals, missing State Tournaments that children had worked hard for all year to earn, the child that may get hospitalized, the last month a loved one survives cancer, graduations, weddings, family reunions, the Holidays, coming home to a Family, missing Funerals, many Church Services, the simple things that so many take for granted,
A HUG, the smell of the 1st Spring Flowers, to bloom, or to watch a simple all day, long steady rain.
The list is endless!
We must not forget, everyday that you have been blessed with another day of life,
It is a miracle and a gift from God!
and while we are enjoying our days, we must NOT forget the SACRIFICES, that so many have given and continue to give, serving this Wonderful Country.
May you, and all American's be touched by an angel, that reminds you all, truly who are Sacrificing, for you and for me.
It is not only the Soldier,
It is the millions of FAMILY members too!!!!!!
It was an honor to hear somebody genuinely speak from the heart, about Families, who make Sacrifices, and to hear a Thank You, go out to the Families, left behind.
Remembering Their Sacrifices,
Kim
I know the commitment it takes to put on the uniform of our Great Nation. Not only for those wearing that uniform but also for the families who also serve but never get deployed.
Thank you for your service and dedication to our country.
Dear American Hero, I'm not certain as to how to express my gratitude for all you have done to secure my Freedom.
Military Families, Our Unsung Heroes, I want to thank you for the sacrifices you have made to preserve our Nation's Freedom. Your long nights, lonely days, times of fear, hours of worry ans seasons of stress are not unnoticed by those of us who enjoy freedom.
Thank You!
Martha Williamson is a Patriot and it is people like her that are the Heart and Soul of what we call the Greatest Nation is the whole World...God Bless America.
A Secret Service Agent is trained to take a bullet for the President, to be a human shield against those who would do the President harm. That agent knows that they may need to lay down their life so that the leader of the free world may continue on. That takes courage and bravery. Not many of us could do it. However, there is a far more noble group of heroes out there that overshadow them every single day. It is the American Soldier and the families who support them.
I served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I can not begin to tell you the support I got from my parents. This was the only time I willingly repeatedly lied to my parents. I downplayed the danger and omitted details to keep them at ease. Little did I know how much they knew the whole time. I was trying to comfort them while they supported me. The military may have given me the skills to do as ordered but it was my parents who taught me and prepared me mentally, morally and spiritually to carry out those orders. Without them, who knows what I would have done.
As successful as Desert storm was, there were things we were not allowed to do that I see our people doing now; Going into Baghdad, Removing an EVIL regime from power and helping to rebuild their country. Those behind 9-11 and the people who cheered when the towers fell don’t wish to see this happen. If the seed of democracy is allowed to grow in that part of the world it is nothing but bad news for them and their cause. Our soldiers are being attacked, not just from a few Saddam loyalist, but far more from the terrorists who wish Americans and America harm. I fully believe that if our soldiers were not there, the terrorists would be here and they would still be trying to kill Americans and our way of life. Iraq has just given them a focus point.
For every armed and trained soldier who dies in the line of duty, how many unarmed civilians did they save? Like the Secret Service Agent, they know that their lives may be called on to save another, but unlike that Agent, they may be saving you, or me, or the elementary school down the street. They don’t know who they may have saved or how many but they still step up and volunteer. That’s right, they volunteer. And their family stands with them sending their loved one into harms way. They don’t want to see them die any more than you do. The soldiers have no death wish. But if called on, they will give all and their families will support them all the way. I hate hearing when another soldier has been wounded or killed, but I am thankful for their sacrifice and service in keeping us all safe. My heart breaks for the gold star families, I’m just glad my parents didn’t have to go through it. I take comfort in knowing they raised their children to do the right thing and know they are now in God’s hands. This is what we need to remember and give thanks for on Memorial Day. Thank you, Martha, for your tribute to parents of these guardian angels in khakis. Where would we be without them.
Thank you for this tribute page. In the past, I was always told that Memorial Day was to honor your family and friends who passed on and Veteran's Day was to honor your fallen military. Those lines have blurred and we are now able to show our deepest love and respect for our soldiers on both of these holidays.
I have three sons, two served in the Army. My middle son was injured in Afghanistan and his little brother did a tour in Iraq and another in Afghanistan. Our family went thru three tours in four years and we all went thru a lot of changes. Our sons are not the same boys who went "over there" but they did make it home and for that we are forever grateful. My son said to me, "I felt the prayers and that got me thru." I learned what praying unceasingly really meant....I would like to post something I wrote in honor of all Veterans....
Today I overheard a young man exclaim, "Veteran's, who do they think they are?"
Was he a protester carrying a sign? No. Was he someone who had been wronged by
a Veteran? No. He simply had discovered that his mail might not be delivered on Veteran's Day. I don't know who I am more upset with, the mother who didn't say anything to her son, or myself, for not telling this guy just who Veterans think they are. So I decided to write something that I can hand to someone should the question ever arise again. This is just a partial list of all that our military has done, and is doing for us.
"Veterans, Who Do They Think They Are?"
They are the men and women who live every day in pain. Physical pain from their wounds, lost limbs, or maybe it's the shrapnel they still carry. Emotional pain from being separated from their families for long periods of time. For missing the birth of their child, or death of a parent. Mental pain for what they have seen and what they had to do. Pain from knowing that they would have died for you and you are not wise enough to know you should care.
They are the ones who make life-long friends. They know how precious life is and they never forget the ones who didn't make it back. Never. That is why you will see Veteran's at the cemetery on Memorial Day walking around and silently thanking the ones who are buried there. They don't have to know them personally to know the sacrifice each one made.
They are the ones who are loud and boisterous. They are the ones who are quiet.
They are the ones who shivered in the foxhole, trying to keep the enemy at bay.
They are the ones who crawled through sand when the temperature was 126 degrees.
They are the ones who carried their buddy to safety.
They are the ones who sometimes drink too much, trying to keep the memories from haunting them.
They are the ones who carry the flag with the honor and respect it deserves.
They are the ones who wear their military uniform with pride and still have it in their closet 30 some years later.
They are the ones who don't ask you to go out of your way for them.
They are the ones who have gone out of their way for you.
They are the ones who spent many nights awake on guard duty so you didn't have to.
They are the ones who helped keep our shores safe while you played video games.
They are the ones who missed their birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates.
They are the ones who got shot and got sent home, but felt guilty because their buddies were still there.
They are the ones who followed orders even when they didn't want to.
They are the ones who had enough love and pride in their country to do a job many others couldn't do.
They are the ones who stepped up when the call went out.
They are the ones who ate MRE's till they were sick of them.
They are the ones who cried "Medic" at the top of their lungs though they couldn't even hear their own voice.
They are the ones who cried when they were alone in their tent.
They are the ones who flew planes, drove tanks, worked a ship, and armed the missiles.
They are the ones who had moms at homes praying for them every minute of every day.
They are the ones who made it safe for you so you could go to school or work.
They are the ones who missed ordering pizza, the movies, the shopping trips, and all that you take for granted.
They are the ones who asked to take a friend's deployment because that friend had a family.
They are the ones who gave their girlfriends a lock of their hair to keep as a promise of their return.
They are the ones who wanted to come home
They are the ones who didn't return.
They are the ones who waited months for a letter.
How can you not wait one day?
God Bless Our Veterans,
Laurel A. Olmsted
Wife Of A Veteran
Proud Mother of two Veterans
(C) November 8, 2003
I, too, am the proud parent of a soldier. He has served in the Pentagon after 9.11.01, in Afghanistan once and in Iraq twice. He is currently serving with JPAC for the past threee years , searching for those missing in action heroes , who still wait to come home for the last time. He has traveled to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Austria on multiple missions. I would like to add my thanks to all the parents and send my prayers to each member of our military , thank you and stay safe. Sincerely, Ann -a proud armymom
Thank you so much for your wonderful words - The tears of pride are flowing as I write this - I am a mom of a son who has gone to Iraq once and will be going back again this fall - I keep telling myself it will be easier but in my heart know it will be a roller coaster (I have never liked roller coasters either) But I have a firm belief that God will watch over him and bring him home to the family that will miss him. I pray for my son and all the other wonderful men and women that are fighting to keep us safe.
Thank you for saying it so well.
HUGS and PRAYERS
I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those who fight for us and for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I wrote this for all soldiers, law enforcement and fire fighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It is: FALLEN HEROES - SINCE THE DAY I WAS CONCEIVED GOD HAD FOR ME A PLAN - HE WANTED ME TO GET INVOLVED TO HELP MY FELLOW MAN - I KNOW SOME WERE AGAINST IT BUT GOD KNOWS WHAT IS BEST - SINCE THE DAY HE TOOK ME HOME I'VE HAD PERFECT REST - HEAVEN IS SO BEAUTIFUL - I'M WALKING STREETS OF GOLD AND NOW I'M SERVING OTHERS INCLUDING SAINTS OF OLD - I KNOW SOME STILL HAVE ANGER ABOUT THE WAY I DIED BUT GOD AND I BOTH HAVE SEEN THE MANY TEARS YOU'VE CRIED - HE IS A GOD OF COMFORT - HIS LOVE WILL NEVER CEASE - GIVE YOUR FEELINGS TO HIM AND HE WILL GIVE YOU PEACE - I KNOW IT WON'T BE EASY BUT PLEASE DON'T HOLD A GRUDGE - REMEMBER THIS MY LOVED ONES - GOD ALONE WILL JUDGE - THEN ON THAT RESURRECTION DAY WHEN ALL THE DEAD WILL RISE THE LORD WILL REUNITE US TOGETHER IN THE SKIES - SO DON'T GIVE UP DEAR FRIENDS - MY MEMORY IS ALIVE - PUT YOUR FAITH IN THE LORD AND BELIEVE ME YOU'LL SURVIVE. May God bless all who serve.
Joye Atkinson
Thank you for your tribute. My youngest child is serving in Iraq on his second tour. My father served in Viet Nam. I concentrate on trying to show support for our troops but also am in An Army Moms group that supports eachother as well. It was one of these Moms that sent me this link. It thrills my heart to know that others understand what we are going through at this time, but that it is our duty to our country to teach our children to honor their country with this service. Thanks again.
Martha, Thank you so much for putting a Memorial Day tribute on your "A Touch of Encouragement" website. I just sat and read all of the comments. It brings tears of sadness and encouragement. I,too, am a mother of a 47 yr.old daughter serving our country in the United States Army National Guard for the past 25 years and now serving in Kuwait, leaving behind 2 sons on their own. My first husband served in the Army in the late 50's and early 60's and a son who served in the Army for 9 years and fought in the Desert Storm, Desert Shield War,and the Panamanian War. Another son served in the Navy in the 90's. My husband, who passed away Jan. 18,2003, would be so proud to know that he raised children who love their country and willing to serve to protect our freedom just as he did. I am now remarried to a wonderful loving man who loves my children and we both love the Lord and believe He has our daughter in His loving arms in His care, and trust Him to bring her home safely, and we pray for all our soldiers especially on this Memorial Day, but every day too. I too have a Blue Star Flag in my window and a yellow ribbon on the tree. Thanks for the opportunity to share. God Bless You and all the Moms and Dads and Siblings of our servicemen. Jeri
Martha...thank you for your tribute. I am an army mother who has gone through one deployment with my son, and currently facing another.Our brave, young service men and women are all American heroes. May God keep them all safe, and bring them home to their family and loved ones waiting patiently very soon. No one really understands what it is like to be a military family....except another military family...the pain and worry of having a loved one deployed is sometimes unbearable. So thank you to all our service members and their families....you keep this great land safe and free. God speed.
I thank you for your thoughtfulness in reminding all of the true meaning of Memorial Day. For many, like ourselves, who have a son, daughter, brother, sister, mother or father, currently serving in combat, it is heartbreaking to encounter so many fellow Americans, who have no clue what there fellow citizens are giving of themselves---some, the ultimate gift; i.e., their life! I know for us as parents, it doesn't matter the age, marriage status, or title, our children will always be our children! And, we're thankful that we have a son, who always remembers to take time to let us know how he's doing. It means so much to us; all we ever want is to know that he is alive and surviving physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We yearn for the day, God willing, we will set eyes on him again.
We now know what our parents must have felt. Both our parents served in WWII. My Husband's Dad, the youngest and only male in his family, served in the Navy, at the aqe of 16. My Dad served in WWII,he was a member of the 1st Army, which was later the VII Army; he landed in Normandy on D-Day; and, served through the days of Army of Occupation. He and my Mom had eight sons. Six of who served in the military; three during the Vietnam Conflict; the youngest of their 12 children,my little brother, was recalled to the Coast Guard, after 9-11, and is currently serving. Both of our Dads have passed on, but my Mother still continues the ritual of sending my little brother notes of encouragement and gift packages. It is a ritual that my Husband & I also practice with our Son.
I really appreciated your significant reminder of the respect that should always be given to the Flag, which represents our Country and so many of our Children.
If, I could have one thing changed on our National Communication Broadcasting Systems, it would be to have the Broadcaster, at 7:00 pm, stop, and remind all that there are American children, putting on the American Uniform Today, fighting for their Country; request a moment of prayer (but we would settle for a moment of silent reflection); and list the names of the injured and deceased. For, when we turn on the radio and television, our hopes are that we might get some information on the welfare of our children Today. We're not asking for detailed military movements, we're just asking for a daily acknowledgement of the sacrifices many of our American families are giving. This is not wished for the families of those serving (They already know), but for all the other citizens, who enjoy a lifestyle that most people only dream of enjoying; to remind them that freedom is truly not free. Each day, some lesson on the proper respect, meaning and history of patriotism should be broadcasted. Why? Because, we need to remember that many in this generation have no other source of learning these values, then from what is broadcasted.
My son has served two tours of duty in Iraq and will be going back soon for a third tour. He may not like it but knows it is duty. On his first tour he was wounded by an Iraqi who was trying to steal the MRE's. He was stabbed. My son could not do anything but beat the tar out of him. When the medics arrived, they took care of the Iraqi first and then attended to the stab wound that that my son had received. Stange war. He leaves a wife and 4 children each time he goes to Iraq. He has served in Bosni, Korea, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the two tours of duty in Iraq. These men, not only my son, have seen things that we will never be able to imagine. The only thing I keep repeating to myself and to others "Freedom is not Free" God bless these men who fight to keep the Red, White and Blue flying free.
Our son has been over in Iraq twice within 2 years, 6 months apart. When he was sent there him and his wife were expecting their first child. It was hard for them, but he did what he had to do for our country. Thank God he was able to be here when she was born, but had to leave to go back shortly after. Missing her first birthday, Christmas, mothers' day and other holidays and special times with his family and friends, he yet was a courageous soldier of the United States Army. His life was threatened several times there, but God brought him back home and we are greatful to have him. These times make us more aware of what Memorial Day is about. I know the images of war that are etched in his mind will keep him humble and grateful to God for the little things we take for granted in life.
Thank you for your tribute to us the proud parents of a wonderfully courageous soldier. We pray for and honor all other military families.
God bless you
Rhonda
Der Martha ,I would like to say THANK YOU for the video ! It was AWESOME ! Its one of the hardest things for a mother to let her child go knowing it may be the last time she ever lay eyes on them or the last time that she is able to tell them that she loves them ! My son LCPL Jame Thomas Bulen was in the Marines which is something that he knew he wanted to do from kindergarten to follow in the footsteps of his Great grandfathers and Uncles . He served 2 tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and severed in the Operation Phantom Fury which was the main sweep thru Fallujah ! He served with the 1/8 !He was scheduled to be out in August 07 ! God had different plans for him and he was taken from us on May 12,2007 at the age of 22 ! He was taken out by a riptide at North Topsail Beach in NC .He served his country PROUDLY ! I am so very PROUD of all his Military brothers an sisters and all of our Military that are serving without them what would our world be like. Thank you for honoring them this Memorial Day ! That is what Memorial Day is truely for and i think alot of people forget that, so Thank You for reminding them and if you see a Military person out give them a hug and thank them for thier service it means alot to them ! They don't get the recognition that they deserve ! Its hard being a Gold Star Mom but i will be forever PROUD of my sons service and his memory will live forever in my heart ! Thank You again ! A VERY PROUD MARINE MOM , Tamara
Martha, I want to Thank You Martha so much for that; I really needed it. My daughter in in the U.S. Army at a very young age of 19, she has not been to Iraq yet but is going in September and I am very proud and also scared for her in the same sense I have mixed emotions in my heart and my stomach. She has said from a very very young age of 2 that she wanted to be an "ARMY GIRL" and that she did become. It also helped when she wa in high school that they had a class called "JROTC" and when she graduated from school and had taken all 4 yrs of this class it put her into the Service as a "Private First Class" instead of a "Private" and that made her proud of herself also. again I want to THANK YOU VERY MUCH MARTHA. ANOTHER GRATEFUL MOTHER.......BETTY
My father passed on a few years ago and I miss him so much. He ws a 1st Lt. in the Air Force nd I remember when he took me to Disney World that they played the National Anthem... my dad stopped and stood at attention saluting with respect in the middle of the street until it was over. It brought tears to my eyes and left me with a deep and solid comprehension that we should feel strongly the love and devotion and abiding honor for the country that houses us, supports us (despite many many flaws) and allows more freedoms than any country around...it would be a good challenge this Memorial Day for each of us to perform one act of respect outwardly to remember the reason or country offers so much (ask the Mexicans at the border, the Cubans on the island, the Haitians in ther poverty, and the islands that send their people here for a better life ...we did not starve from potato famines (as the early Irish). get hung for religous choices (as in early England), need to escape from our country on rafts (as the Cubans)or give 90% of our salaries to the governnent (as in Sweden)...we also, as women, do not have to hide under dark veils (as in the MIdeast), can wear makeup, can get educated, VOTE, and have rights...the list goes on and on, it's because we believe that we are GREAT, in the truet sense of the word,we are WORTH fighting for and we are WORTH putting ourslves on the line for the PRINCIPLES tht allowed all of us , not just some of us, to be able to live with decency and personal honor.Remember the Golden Rule? LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF...do unto others as yo would have them do unto you...if you live here you receive ALL the benfits of those who went before and those who fight for them now...we must believe, must act, must show our love and support....for without these things WHAT ARE WE, really ? If you can go to sleep in peace tonight..that is one more reason to shed a tear of thanks for the love of God on this blessed and chosen land...et us love America and pray for her dail and those who hve heard the call and fight for US! We are all capable of dignity and service. We are all capable of doing right in our own corner of the world, we are all brilliant in the Spirit that calls us...we are after all AMERICANS.
God bless our tossed land, with prosperity, freedom, courage, love and honor ad help us to discover once more we are the greatest nation on earth! To those who are fighting for us now, and in the future, greater love hath no man than that a man lay down his llfe for
his friends...YOU ARE OUR FRIENDS. GOD FORBID THAT WE SHOULD FAIL TO HONOR YOU AS SUCH. I SALUTE YOU! HAPPY HOLY MEMORIAL DAY TO YOU.
Dear Martha
Thank you for this video. Both of my daughters are in the Military. My eldest is in the RAF(Royal Air Force, U,K) we originate from Scotland, She has served in Kuwait, travelling into Iraq every week as an escort. She then served in Afghanistan, it was not a pleasant time as you can imagine.Through the Grace of God she came home safely.
My other daughter is in the US Navy and has not yet been deployed but at the moment she is involved in other ways of defending our freedom. She is ready, though, to go wherever she has to.
I am very proud of the both of them. In fact when my husband died three years ago, they both attended their Dad's funeral in full dress uniform. they looked so smart,I know he would have been so proud of them as well.
Dear Martha, I am one of those mothers who got the flag. It will be 21/2 years since my son passed. I pray for the parents of soldiers that they never feel the pain I do. And always will. Thank you for your kind words. I am proud to say my son was a soldier in more ways than one. God Bless Us All.
Dear Martha,
First of all, thank you for honoring Parents. it means alot. It is an honor. I would like to honor my grandfather this memorial day. He was a vet from ww2. i remember growing up hearing about survivor stories. bravory stories. -and about his paratrouper days. He was in the rainbow divisionin the army. When I grew up, got married, had children; he shared these same stories with them. their faces lit up just as mine did. to this day, i still have alot of respect for what he must have went through. As my sons grew older, we raised them right, to love God, family and country. Just before my grandfather passed away, they both made a promise to serve in some brance of the military. my oldest son is currently not able to due to an illness. Jason, however leaves june 3 for basic training in the national guard. he has been enlisted since january. i am nervous, yet so proud. it takes all of our men and women to say we are not ashamed of our country to ban together to defeat the enemy. for if we dont stand for something, we will fall for anything. have a blessed day. I AM PROUD TO BE AN CHRISIAN,AN AMERICAN AND A MILITARY MOM
one of my favorite patriotic songs that i hope is ok to post here is:::
Artist: Lee Greenwood
Title: Proud To Be An American
If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
And I’m proud to be and American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
I would like to take a minute to thank all the men women who is serving and who have served in order to help us keep our freedom. My daughter's father is serving in Iraq at this time. She is very proud of her daddy as we all are. Thank you to all of you and god bless you all. To the men and women who have made it home our thoughts and prayers are with you thank you for sacrifices for us to be safe. To the others who are still gone we will keep you in our prayers till you return home safely, be safe and know we are here for you all. God's speed.....
My daughter is a Marine, and serving in Iraq. Thank you for this tribute to our soldiers. With prayers, faith, and hope I'll soldiers will come home.
Dear Martha,
Thank you for your tribute. It was lovely and deeply appreciated. My daughter is in the Army Reserves and served in Afghanistan for 15 months. We never felt such pride and at the same time such concern and worry as when she was overseas. She is now engaged to a young man who served two tours of duty, once in Bagram, and then in Baghdad where he lived under the threat of nightly attacks. By God's grace both are safely home now but the war continues on for them in ways those who have not served may never understand. It continues on especially for those parents who have lost sons and daughters and for those who have been seriously injured with a lifetime of disability to cope with. If they were able to make a commitment to defend our country and the countries of others at the expense of their personal well being, then we can and should stand by them for the remainder of our lives in support and prayer. I hope this Memorial Day, we not only remember those who have served, but those who are and will continue to soldier on with the reality of war for the remainder of their lives. It takes a very special person to be a soldier, one who is self-sacrificing and willing to put another's well being before his or her own, an attribute that more people in the world today could stand to cultivate more of. If that were the case, then there would be no need for war.
God bless and protect our sons and daughters.
Thank you for recognition to us who have given birth to those who are in foreign lands protecting the weak and protecting our freedoms. My son is a Marine on his 2nd tour in Iraq. He believes very strongly in what he is doing and is proud to serve and sees first hand the good they are doing. He just got married by proxiy to a wonderful young lady whom was accepted into the airforce. Their marriage had to take place with her here in Texas and my son in Iraq. With her quick acceptance she had to get married to make sure they were stationed together. They will have a formal Marine Wedding in April 2009. What would this country do without our men and women who are willing to put their life on the line for us? I dread the thought. So God Bless all of them where ever they maybe and their families. God Bless these United States of America!! Let us never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Virginia
MY, NEPHEW IS IN THE ARMED FORCES AND WE ARE VERY PROUD OF HIM, BUT GUESS WHAT? HIS SISTER THAT JUST GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL IS ALSO ENLISTED AND IS LEAVING THIS MONTH. HOW PROUD MY SISTER MUST BE. GOD BLESS THEM WITH THE LOVE OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST(AMEN).
We are proud parents of a son who served in the early '90's as a Marine; being 17 years old when he enlisted, he was a boy. As a man, he enlisted in the National Guard after 9/11. Being a Mohawk in Canada he didn't have to do it. But, because of his belief in peace & freedom, he has put on hold a promising career & a wonderful relationship with his partner to serve in Afghanistan. We thank everyone who send prayers for the safe return of all soldiers. Soldiers are unselfish as they put the welfare of others ahead of their own.
Thank you, Martha, for your encouraging and kind Memorial Day tribute. As a U.S. Marine Corp mom, it just means so much to me that you would take the time to publish such a heartfelt word expressing your gratitude for those of us who have sons and daughters serving in the Military. They are our true heroes. The last time we were able to talk, as he was signing off before being called out on a mission, his last words to me were, "I love you, mom." My love and prayers go out for him and all our Military every day, and I know God's plans for their lives will be carried out. Thanks again, and Semper Fi, Karen May 21, 2008.
So many people have forgotten what it took, generations ago, so that we all could embrace freedom in the United States. I am very grateful to everyone, parents and soldiers who have fought and will continue to fight for freedom. This is something that should NEVER be taken for granted. There is a saying in a song, you don't know what you got till its gone, I pray we never know or experience that with peace in the USA.
Many people in our country have forgoteen what the word respect means as well. Granted, no one wants war or to have a loved one go off to war, but they have been called to do this job, and many of them do it with much pride and dedication. I thank them with all my heart for doing so, as well as the family and friends they leave behind. I hope they know I will always be thankful for what they have provided me and my country, and I will always keep them in my heart and prayers.
I hope this Memorial Day we all take a few minutes to ponder what would our country be like if we did not have the freedom we have to say and do as we please and then in the minutes to follow, allow ourseleves to thank those who fought for and continue to fight for freedom and peace in the world and continued peace in the USA.
God bless and THANK YOU to all our soldiers and their families and friends!
Nancy
Thank you, Martha, for saying what so many Americans feel. Our servicemen/women are true heros and the U.S.A. should treat them as such. I am proud to be an American and thank God each day for allowing me to be one. I am so sorry that every American does not feel truly blessed to live in such a country and have these brave people serving us so we can still be free. I have a 21 yr. old grandson in the Army who has proudly served in Iraq and continues to serve his country at the U.S.Embassy in Columbia, S.A. May God bless him and all service personnel along with our President. Pray for America!!!
I too am a parent of a soldier serving at Fort Bragg North Carolina my son has been there since Feb. of this year and this is his permentant post until April or May of next year.
I thank you for your wonderful tribute to all the parents of soldiers it helps us thru the days and months with out our son.When my son told us he passed his army test and physical last year and left,I had a very hard time with it,as days went by with praying to God.as a born again christian praying to God in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, has helped me get thru the days without my son.I give him all my thanks for serving our country along with all the other soldiers who serve our country and sacafice their lifes for ours
I AM PROUD TO LIVE IN THIS COUNTRY AND TO BE AN AMERICAN. I GIVE ALL MY BLESSINGS TO ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE AND HAVED SERVED IN ALL AREAS IN THE ARMED SERVICES. THE MOTHERS AND FATHERS,WIVES,HUSBANDS,BROTHERS AND SISTERS,ALL GRANDPARENTS WHOM HAVE BEEN LEFT BEHIND.I'M A PROUD MOTHER OF SON WHO SERVES IN THE U.S.NAVY (SEABEES). HE HAS GIVEN HIS OWN LIFE AND FREEDOM TO FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM AND OUR COUNTRYS FREEDOM.
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.....GOD BLESS
THANK YOU MARTHA...YOU ARE A BLESSING
To mrmissy:On behalf of all those who defend YOUR freedom,thank you for saying that you couldn't care less about us.Thank you for implying that the Constitution of the United States is to you,a worthless document,governing a worthless country that in your opinion,doesn't have the right to exist,let alone defend itself.I don't care if you hate the President,or the war,but those who like me,sacrifice all we have,so you can cheer when we lose,and let Islam rule our country,(obviously,you and the other troop haters are totally fine with this)we deserve your respect,and your 100 percent support.Anything less is a lie.Please don't tell me that you care about us and support us.Bades on your post,you can't, don't, and won't.
Martha, I would like to address this note to Debbie Phillips and all the mothers and fathers who have Sons and Daughters in the Military. Please know that you have the heartfelt prayers and thoughts of MILLIONS of people in the United Statres and around the world that are PRAYING for your loved ones safe return. The Bible states in 2Timothy 1:7 "God does NOT give us the spirit of fear, but of POWER, LOVE and Sound Mind." Know that God is in CONTROL and hears your prayers!
One former Marine
Burt
I pray for all of the bad people who voted for this neo-con administration, not once but TWICE.
They send up "prayers" while continuing to be on the side of those who propose three wars at once and perpetual wars lasting 100 years.
Man, are they BRIGHT!
Pray that someone soon helps them with DOT connecting. Send in a 4-year-old perhaps?
Thank you Martha for that wonderful tribute.It brought tears to my eyes.My son will be leaving July 21 for boot camp for the Marines.I am scared and I am worried what if something happens.He is just graduating from high school June 12 and a month later he will be gone.Does anyone have any suggestions to help me cope with this.
Also I would like to Thank All of our current soliders in the ones of today,the ones of the past and the ones of the future.Thank You for all that you do to keep our country free.I encourge all of you to keep up the good work and to stand tall.God Bless You All.May God watch over all of you and keep you safe from all harm.May He soon bring you back home to the ones you love.
God Bless America and Our Soliders.
Debbie
My son is in the US Army Reserve. He recently graduated from AIT training in March from Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.His ( my son best friend ) is now stationed in Iraq in the Army. My Father also served in the US Army in WWII and in Korea.I wanted to thank all of you for your prayers. And Know all of you other parents are being prayed for and your sons/daughters too !
I want to thank all the military for being so courageous and for fighting for our wonderful
USA. I pray for the military every day. My son is on his second tour and is in Afghanistan
currently. I pray for our government and their decisions that are made to help keep America
free.
Great jobs ladies and gentlemen that are in our armed forces.
Great jobs moms and dads.
Debbie
Thank you so much for that beautiful and moving tribute!! I am the mother of a brave United States Soldier who is currently in Iraq on his 2nd tour. Words can never express how PROUD I am of him and all of his fellow soldiers!! And you are right, he is my greatest treasure!! My one and only greatest treasure... Thank you everyone for keeping him and all our soldiers in your thoughts and prayers! Prayer is so powerful!!! It means so much to them to not be forgotten!!
And don't forget our servicemen and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for a job well done. Their families need our love and support.
God Bless them all on this Memorial Day,
Kris
What a beautiful tribute. I am the mother of a career soldier who is about to go to Iraq for the third time. He is 34 years old with 2 young children. His children are used to their daddy being gone much of their lives. They are the ones who know the meaning of sacrifice.
My oldest son is also a veteran who was injured during his service.
My greatest pride and joy comes from knowing these guys are true American Heroes.
Dear Martha
I certainly support our young , brave men and women in uniform, and they surely deserve our thanks and our prayers, but the ones in Iraq are not there to protect out freedom. They are there dying and/or being maimed for George Bush and his friends. Please say a prayer that our Heavenly Father will deal with those currently in the White House, and stop the needless killing, maiming, and destruction brought on by Bush.
My oldest child and only son will return soon to Iraq. While he is there, he will miss the birth of his first child and will not be home again until his child is a year old. I thank you, Martha, for remembering us. Remember, too, the young spouses who anxiously await the return of their husbands and wives, and the little children who must wait to meet and get to know their daddies.
Your tribute is beautiful, and very true. I have had friends that went to Iraq and my daughter-in-law's brother went over there and her cousin went twice. Thankfully, they both made it home safetly along with our friends. My dad was in the army & fought in WWII, and his brother fought and was in a prison camp for 5 years, but thankfully made it home eventually. My thanks & prayers go out to all soldiers and their families......may we have peace soon and an end to this war, but a good end which is what we are seeing now, that our presence is necessary and working, both in Afganastan & Iraq. And thank you for this site & the beautiful stories you share with us all.
Thank you Martha for the tribute. I am a Gold Star Mom. My son died in March of 2003. It means so much when people can remember the sacrifices our children make and also acknowledge the parents that stood by them. I know the true meaning of Memorial Day and I pray that the other families have a good and safe one. We can all stand proudly knowing that our children served proudly to protect us all. God bless each and every soldier that is still serving over seas. I pray they return home safely. To all parents and their families be blessed because one day we will meet again.
I give the Lord Thanks for giving me three fine young sons who are now serving in the Navy. I pray that God be with you all and keep you from harm. I thank God for three handsome and strong god loving sons. Remember Adam,Matt,& Nic you are my pride of life.
Thank you so much for this video. My husband spent 20 years in the Army, our son is now serving his country. Right now he is stationed in Germany, but will be leaving for Romania for training. I know it is a matter of time before he will be going to Iraq. We need to always remember these men and women who are fighting so we can have our freedom. We also need to remember the families who are left behind making sure we pray for them daily. God will never put more on us than we can handle.
I too, have a son in Baghdad fighting for our freedom. I alons with my VFW Ladies Auxillary will be remembering these and the ones who gave their lives in the past for our freedom. Until a mother sends a child to war, then and only then do they really start to understand what the word "freedom" really means. I have a trusting faith in my Lord and I know that he walks with my soldier every step but without that faith and assurance I am not so sure I could make it from day to day. Thank you for your tribute. I ask that all who read this post, stop and say a prayer for ALL OUR MILITARY whether they are in Iraq or just in the active military of our country. They ALL need to be lifted up in prayer.
MAY GOD BLESS OUR NATION!!!!!!!!
On this memorial day as every one I say my own thanks and prayers to all who have served, I just wish it was not a memorial day that my prayers are offered to so many still in harms way, but that is their gift to us, we can not repay it, to them or their families. but we can simply say THANK YOU !!! and we think of you all every day not just memorial day. so thank you all, i send my love, my apperiation, my thanks, my prayers, and any small thing i can send through space and time, it never will measure up, but it is something everyone can do.
doeyn
As a Mother who has had to replace the Blue Star Gold Star, I appreciate your heartfelt prayers and blessings. My first son served proudly in the United States Marine Corps and his younger brother will carry on that tradition when he raises his right hand and pledges allegiance to the United States of America to defend her shores against tyranny at home and abroad. I, too, have the "Hero" figurine. She stands humbly next to his picture as a daily reminder of the loss felt in my home every moment of every day. Thank you to each and every one who remember the Mothers who must forge ahead and continue to raise young men and women with the core value and ethics established by our Founding Fathers. Even though my son was killed here on Earth when he was 20 years, 6 months, 1 day - he continues to serve his God and his Country as he stands his post at the gates of Heaven. He is with us every day. His spirit is alive.
I AM a Marine Mom.
Carolyn
Thank you. I am sitting here in tears after listening to that beautiful message. I am so proud of our son, who is a very proud member of the 82nd Air Born. He joined the Army when he first got out of high school. And because of the cut back in the military spending was given an early out, even though he had reupped shortly before. He was not happy the ten years he was out, and after the 911, he rejoined the Army. He has spent two tours in Afganistan, and now in Iraq. He has always felt this was his duty, to guard and protect this fine country, and the American people. I am so proud of our son. I sometimes feel as though my chest is going to burst with this pride. He is the third generation of Army servicemen. His father,Viet Nam, and his grandfather Army Air Core, WW2.
We parents try to teach our children respect, pride, and right from wrong, or at least most of us do. But some children are just born with this sence of pride, and the need to protect. Thank God for these men and women! With out them, where would we be today. I pray for God to protect them, and that we will always be, "One Nation Under GOD".
Thank you again for your beautiful message. Thank you for seeing the sacrifice these men and women, and their families, are giving to keep this great country free.
I would like to thank you for your love to our country, veterens, and their families. I am currently commander of Chapter 45 Disabled American Veterens in Big Stone Gap Va. Your heart felt "thank you and prayers" are much appreicated from our veterens and families.
AS THE MOTHER OF 3 US SOLDIERS, IT ALWAYS BRINGS COMFORT TO MY HEART TO KNOW THAT MY FAMILY AND I ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES SUPPORTING THEM.
WE CERTAINLY HAVE FACED OUR SHARE OF OPPOSITION. MOSTLY BY (I CAUTIOUSLY SAY), IGNORANT AMERICANS, WHO STILL HAVE NOT COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT FREEDOM IS NOT FREE !!
I CURRENTLY HAVE TWO SONS SUPPORTING OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. THE THIRD SON HAS BEEN APPRISED OF HIS DEPLOYMENT STATUS, (ALSO TO IRAQ), UPON THE COMPLETION OF HIS FINAL COLLEGE SEMESTER, WHICH WILL BE THIS FALL.
I AM VERY THANKFUL TO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN BY GOD FOR THIS AWESOME PRIVILEGE OF BEING THEIR MOTHER.
SO, IT IS WITH HEARTFELT THANKS TO EVERY AMERICAN WHO ACKNOWLEDGES THE SACRIFICE AND DEDICATION OF EVERY SOLDIER !!
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS, AND THEIR FAMILIES, AS GOD IS THE STAYING POWER THAT HELPS US MAKE IT THROUGH EACH AND EVERY DAY.
TAMMY STUCKER
PROUD 3 BLUE STAR MOTHER !!
THANK YOU MARTHA , FOR I AM ONE OF THESE MANY MOTHERS THAT HAVE HAD TO LET GO OF MY SON MAY IT BE TEMPERARY ,I PRAY AND I DO HAVE FAITH THAT MY SON AND AS WELL THAT ALL OF OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS WILL COME HOME SAFE, AND IF BY CHANCE I HAVE TO SAY GOOD BUY TO MY SON FOREVER, I WILL KNOW THAT HE DID SERVE HIS COUNTRY, AND DID HIS PART TO MAKE IT A BETTER WORLD, HE IS SERVING IN IRAQ NOW AND HAS BEEN FOR A LITTLE OVER SIX MONTHS AND WILL HAVE TO STAY TIL APRIL OF 2009, HE IS MARRIED TO THE SWEETEST YOUNG WOMEN AND THEY HAVE GIFTED ME WITH MY FIRST GRANDSON 2 YEARS AGO AND THE 2ND GRANDSON WILL BE HERE IN A LITTLE OVER 3 WEEKS AND I TRUST IN GOD THAT HE WILL GET TO COME HOME AND RAISE HIS SONS WITH LOVE AND PRIDE, AS HIS FATHER AND I DID, AGAIN THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU
THANK YOU MARTHA. I WAS NEVER BLESSED TO HAVE CHILDREN BUT TO THOSE GOD DON'T GIVE KIDS TO HE GIVES BLESSES THEM WITH NIECES,NEPHEWS AND LOTS OF GOOD FRIENDS. MY FIRST BORN NEPHEW HAS BEEN IN THE ARMY SINCE 1990 BEEN TO WAR ALREADY 3 TIMES HAS LOST 2 MARRIAGES AND STILL HOLDING HIS HEAD UP HIGH. HE IS MY FRIEND MY CRYING SHOULDER AND WE LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER. I HAVE SO MANY PEN PALS IN AND BACK FROM WAR I SEND CARE PACKAGES TO ALL THAT I CAN GET A ADDRESS AND A NAME BOXES OF GOODIES SO THAT THEY CAN SHARE. I FEEL HOW CAN I EAT A BAG OF CHIPS WHEN OUR CHILDREN ARE AT WAR PLEASE DON'T FORGET OUR SOLDIERS. KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYER SUPPORT THERE LOVED ONES THEY LEAVE BEHIND LIKE THERE LITTLE KIDS GIVE THEM TOYS BOOKS TOKENS TO CHUCKY CHEESE PUT A SMILE TO THEM ALSO ALTHOUGH MOM OR DAD ARE NOT HOME WE CAN PUT A SMILE ON THERE FACES KIDS DON'T FORGET.GOD BLESS US ALL. ANA
THANK YOU MARTHA FOR SUCH A BEAUTIFUF TRIBUTE FOR OUR MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE OVER SEAS.
I AM FORTUNE ENOUGH NOT TO HAVE ANY FAMILY OVER THERE BUT MANY OF MY FRIENDS ARE. I THINK OF THEM EVERYDAY AND SEND CARE PACKAGES WHEI I CAN.I AM GLAD THAT IN OUR CHILD HOOD WE HAD CANTEENS TO GO TO AND PARTIES WITHOUR FRIENDS, WITH DANCE CONTEST, AND BEST DRESSED CONTEST.MY FIANCE AND I WHO WAS WAS MY HUSBAND FOR 46 YRS. DIDNT WANT TO LEAVE A NEW WIFE BUT HE HAD TOO.I HAD PLENTY OF FRIENDS TO HELP OUT AND KEEP ME BUSY WHILE HE WAS AWAY.WHEN HE CAME HOME WE WENT ON A HONEYMOONY TO HAWAII. AND THEN HE HAD TO GO BACK AGAIN, BUT THANK THE LORD HE GAVE HIM BACK TO ME, AND WENT HOME TO GOD ON SEPTEMBER11, 2001.. MAY THERE BE PEACE IN THE WORLD TODAY AND EVERY DAY AND GOD BLESS ALL OF US AND SMILE AND LAUGH AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE YOUR LAST TIME.
GOD BLESS TO ALL
MISSPAT
To give sacrifice for ones/others life , property and homeland is the greatest work in this world.The mother whose son gives this sacrifice is the greatest mother in this world than those mothers which have not got this chance. Every body should stand with that mother at the time of happiness to remind her that you and your son is the greatest personalities of this world.
One grateful Father
Babar
My son is in the Australian Army last christmas he gave me the figuriene from the Willow Tree collection called 'Hero' it is of a woman holding the flag it is blue with white stars and is close to the Australian flag. He said to me
'you can't cry when you open your present'.
When I saw the figurienes the tears just dropped, and then he said
'Mum I promise you, that you won't be holding the Australian flag...I'll come home to you ok?'
The figuriene stands on my sideboard.
She reminds me of Great great Uncles who died in the War to end all wars WW1 who are my sons age and younger and lie in foreign lands (in those times they could not be brought home) and the wars after.
I think of my husband who is American and an Australian citizen who is a US Army combat Vietnam Vet...who still cries out in the nightmares that stalk his sleep for those mates who died in his arms. And for the lives he could not save. And I think of those I served with in uniform who died in peacetime.
Martha thank you, I did cry as I watched your video, beleive me when you serve in uniform it is one thing, but when your child follows his/her heart to serve as well, you have two hearts, one is military, and you know their duty too welland the sacrifices, the other heart is that of a mother/father where you also know the sacrifice, it wraps around the pride you have and the fear that you never speak of, but they know you will be there to care, love and devote your time to them should they become injured, sadly care is lacking here also, and it must improve for our injured and maimed.
in pray for Memorial Day
Jeanine
Thank you Martha so much for that; I really needed it. My son is now In Iraq and I am so proud of him and knowing there are many others thinking of him and keeping him in their prayers does ease my worries greatly. I was begining to wonder if anyone even remembers that we are still fighting a war and that my son along with countless others are still away from home and in danger when I came across your video message.
Again Thank you!
A Brave Soldiers Mom
Thank you for this lovely tribute.
dawnel
MARTHA,THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!! YOU ARE SO RIGHT!THOSE MOTHERS AFATHERS THAT DID TEACH THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT THE FLAG AND IT'S MEANING.WHICH, I KNOW VERY WELL CAUSE MY DADDY DID 3 TOURS IN VIETNAM.SO, I PERSONALLY WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THOSE PARENTS AS WELL!CAUSE I KNOW WHAT THE MEANING OF " FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!"ALSO,MARTHA I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU AS WELL FOR HAVING TIS WEBSITE. YOU ARE DOING AN OUTSTANDING JOB ON IT!KEEP IT UP AND THANKS AGAIN!JUNE 7TH WILL AKE ONE YEAR SINCE MY DAD'S PASSING AND IT HAS BEEN VERY HARD ON ME.I AM A "CAREGIVER TO MY WHOLE FAMILY!NOW, WE NEED SO DESPERATELY TO FOCUS ON HELPING OUR TROOPS TO ADJUST COMING HOME!THEY NEED BETTER HEALTH CARE AND COMPASSIONATE FROM US ALL IN THIS COUNTRY!TAKE CARE KATHY
So often those of us who do not have sons to send off to war forget what other parents go thru when they send their sons off to war. I will stand with you this memorial day and thank all of the sons for their sacrificies for our freedom. Thank You all.
One grateful Mother
Joyce
I too would like to thank the many men and women who so proudly defend the freedom that we often take for granted. I know that when I rise to face another day on Memorial Day, I will give thanks and I will say a pray for all our soldiers who have given of themselves. I will continue to thank them and pray for them. God bless us all and may we find peace in a world that was meant to be enjoyed, shared and loved by all of Gods children.
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