Veteran




		WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" November 14, 2001 Volume 1, Issue 44 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com -------------------------------------------------------- By subscription only! Welcome to your next issue of "WRITE 2 THE HEART" You are receiving this FREE newsletter because you requested a subscription or a friend generously forwarded their copy to you. ----------------------------------------------------- Write 2 the Heart is continuing to give away mouse pads to writers whose submissions are published. Only one per writer. You will qualify even if you had something published in the past. ----------------------------------------------------- Mary Frank's story about Veterans Day is a heart touching recounting of her small son's search for the answer to his question, "What is a Veteran?" ------------------------------------------------------ Mom, What Is A Veteran By: Mary Frank ------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- "Mom, why are we going?" my young son asked of me. "Well, it's Veteran's Day and we're going to see a special ceremony to honor all of our nation's veterans." I said to him. "Mom, what's a veteran?" I looked down at the innocent eyes and explained, "A veteran is a man or woman who served our country...sometimes even in a war, so that we can have our freedom." "Mom, what does that mean?" I looked at him again and realized that in his brief lifetime and in the lives of many there has always been freedom. It had never been absent. "Do you know what?" I asked him. "There will be veterans at the celebration. Let's ask them what it means." Although the crowd was small because of the cold, windy conditions, several gentlemen were there in full military dress. The eyes of my son and his friend were wide with wonder as they saw the many medals and firearms. They asked if the cannon on the lawn was real. The small American Legion Post we were visiting had men and women who served in all branches of the service...soldiers serving in both World Wars, Korea and Vietnam. I spoke with two of the gentlemen and explained that I had two young fellas with a lot of questions. They did their best to fill the inquisitive minds with stories of glory and fortitude. They explained that Veteran's Day is celebrated on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, which is when the armistice ending WWI was signed. They shared the story of the last living charter member of the Post who had served in WWI. At that time Mel was 99 yrs old. The armistice was signed in 1918. Mel was 17 on the day it was signed. Then my son asked, "Okay, but what does it mean to be a veteran?" The pair looked at one another and said, "That's kind of hard to answer. It's a special feeling. I can't tell you how much, but it is a special privilege to serve your country and come home." I sensed the emotion within him as I caught a glimpse of watering eyes. The town siren blew as it was 11 a.m. and the veterans marched out to the flagpole for the ceremony. The flags were unfurled and heads were bowed as the chaplain recited the prayer. Those not holding flags or weapons were standing in salute. The 21 gun salute sounded and the mournful tones of "Taps" echoed in the air. My son's friend asked, "Why are they so sad?" As I pushed aside the knot in my throat, I said, "They're sad because they are remembering all of the soldiers who gave up their lives just so that we could all be free." And then my son said, "Mom, they're real, aren't they?" Perhaps it was the sounding of the guns or the mourning "Taps"..or the sight of a big strong man with tears in his eyes...but something touched them. I prayed that they never need to feel the loss of that freedom. I turned to my young men as many thoughts ran through my mind. I put my arms around them for a second and said, "Yes son, they are very real." I can't help but think back to that day 12 years ago. Much has come and gone....Desert Storm...and now Operation Enduring Freedom. Now we have the terrorist Osama Bin Laden to battle, back then it was Adolf Hitler. I ask myself how anyone could destroy precious humanity as these have. I don't have the answer. I only know that I am so very proud of our country and our leaders. Most of all though, I am so very proud of the men and women who devote their lives to defend freedom...so much that they would lay down their lives for it. We can't let go of our freedom....and we must fight to share it all over the world. "Oh Heavenly Father, guard their precious lives." Thank You Veterans! Mary Frank dragontree @ geneseo.net --------------------------------------------------------- Hi! I'm from west central Illinois and the mother of four grown sons and now four grandchildren. I am a free lance writer and currently working on a series of books about growing up and then raising my sons on the family farm. The Veteran's Day I wrote about happened about 12 years ago. With all that has happened in the past few months and the heroes and heroines who have lost their lives, I can't help remembering this day and my prayers for that day. May freedom endure! Thank You Veterans. I hope it touches your heart. --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- FROM OUR READERS ------------------------------------------------------ Hi Cheryl, Thank You for your email. I really enjoy it and you. So glad your family is home safe. Will be preparing for a new grandchild too. Should be fun! Love, Clare ** Cheryl Another good one! Loved the story about Henry...and it is so sad that the same thing happens to many children...they don't get to know ALL the aspects of their parents personalities...a well written story...and heartfelt! Alex Have a good time with your Alaskan family members. Thanks for reminding us all to pray for our military---esp. with this weekend emphasis on the Veterans. Nancee ** Can't you just picture two little girls on a swing with ice- cream cones sharing giggles and secrets? Jill ------------------------------------------------------- <>< Prayer Request For Those In Service To Our Country ><> As you read over this list of names, take the time to pray for each one and their families. If you have a prayer request to add hit reply and send me their name and I will be happy to add it to our list. Trey, Chris Speir, Tim Speir, Emmett Summers, Jessie, Ken and Eloise asks for prayer for her family members and extended family in the Armed Forces. --------------------------------------------------------- Cheryl's Corner I am having such a wonderful time. I get to watch the boys while Chris and Nicole go house hunting. Grandpa took Chris, Logan, Mason and Jeremy squirrel hunting. They had to cross a grassy field when Mason threw himself on the ground and started screaming and covering his head. Everyone was trying to figure out what was wrong, afraid he had met with a snake. When they finally understand what he was saying, they heard him screaming at the top of his voice, “I don’t want a moose to eat me, don‘t let a moose get me!” We are having a tough time convincing him there are no moose here. He is terrified of bugs, especially flying ones. When he sees a fly, he runs for shelter. The only thing he is familiar with is mosquitoes. I can see right now we have to get a bug barn and catch grasshoppers and then learn how to swat flies. God Bless, Cheryl --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- © 2001 Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. ------------------------------------------------------------ All subscriptions sent to your email free of charge.