Recently, a friend and myself drove to the Atlanta Airport to meet another friend who was returning to Georgia after visiting family. Having time to wait, the two of us decided to order something to drink and eat. We located a restaurant and sat down to eat. Within a short distance we saw about 12 young people, two were women. What's so special about seeing these adults? Well, they all had the military uniform of the U.S. Army. Looking at these service men and women, the oldest appeared to be no older than 24. My son is 37. All of these people could be my child. They were laughing, talking and appeared to enjoy each other's company. A number questions came into my mind. What were their names? Were they visiting family or at the airport to make a connection to go to a military base? How long had each person enrolled into the Army and their job duties?As I was thinking of all of these questions, my mind couldn't drift away from "the end of the road destination"., WAR. Will any of these young people be sent to a country to fight war with a country who didn't have any of the freedom as America? If they were involved in war, would they come back home alive or in a casket? Being a parent, the thoughts of the possibility of my child losing his life was very frightening. How can these young adults take on so much responsibility? When watching the television news, stories are told of people this age who get into trouble such as killing, theft, etc. These young people have chosen a path of responsibility and dedication to serve in the military Some sadness, came over me as if I could claim all of these young adults as if they were my children.As my mind was wandering, all of the "12 Today's Patriots", got up from their table talked and gave each other a hug and scattered in different directions. What was in the future of these 12? My friend and I felt pride and said a prayer all 12. To be so young, but "so old", in many ways. God Bless our soldiers.
The Soldier
He had no facial wrinkles:
His hands weren't calloused.
He was tall and lean:
This 21 year old Marine.
As he walked, He showed a sense of pride:
He joined the Service, not knowing where he may reside,
Let's hope it's not Afganistan or Iraq.
But, if this should be,we hope everyone
Will see,this Soldier did his mission:
He did it for you and me.
Rose
VERY NICE POST ROSE, YOU ALSO WERE BLESSED TO SEE THESE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN. IT FILLED YOUR HEART WITH THANKS FOR THEM, FOR FIGHTING FOR AMERICA. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
ReplyDeleteRIZZI
What a nice post. I am so thankful for the men and women who give their lives to keep us safe!
ReplyDeleteMay God bless them!
We hear of these brave soldiers every day on the news, but when you see them in person and see how young, lively and loving they are it really hits home how much they are willing to sacrifice. Thanks for a thought provoking post Rose.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post Rose. I don't think any of us or I should speak for myself really realize how many of our armed forces have died or are badly wounded. I pray god will keep them safe.
ReplyDeleteVery nice and thoughtful post!
ReplyDeleteJane
Wonderful, thought provoking post. Gerry
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Rose. We do need to ALWAYS thank our soldiers... They WILLINGLY put themselves in harm's way to give us all the freedom we love. Thank God for all of the people, both young and old, in our military now---and for those who WERE in our military...
ReplyDeleteGREAT post.
Hugs,
Betsy
Like you, I wonder. Will any of the 12 get together again? What are the odds on how many will return? You would like the show "Army Wives" on Lifetime. A good and poignant story. Too young! But then, there's never a good age for war.
ReplyDeleteOur little town just lost a young soldier in Afghanistan..a road bomb claimed his life and our hearts all went out to his family. Sweet poem Rose and a thoughtful blog.
ReplyDeleteLovely and thoughtful post Rose. olive♥
ReplyDeleteI'm proud of all these young soldiers. They have chosen to put their lives in danger to defend us. I'm sorry that there has to be such a job as soldier. But as long as humans are human it will ever be thus. It's sad.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
ReplyDeleteOh, how inspiring those young people are. I was talking today with a woman who just sent her daughter off to college for the first time. She was commenting about how selfish and out-of-the control the other students seemed. These 12 that you saw sould be such amazing mentors to the young people. I have to wonder about the difference in their growing up years and what leads them to make the decisions they have made. God bless these young people. They are all younger than my own children.
ReplyDeleteI recently saw a large group of OLD veterans out together. I couldn't help myself, but approached them, thanked each of them and offered a hug. they were very appreciative. Coming from a military family (both parents plus many uncles and my brother) I appreciate all, ALL that they give. Thanks for this post.
Weezer (I often forget that you're in Georgia. Me, too.)
What a nice post, Rose. Before he became my husband, Ed was once one of those brave young soldiers, too--as were his parents before him...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Rose.
ReplyDeleteSad too.. to think there's a chance they won't all come back.
We definitely should always remember and pray for our military! Thanks so much, Rose for your kind words on my blog. I am feeling much more encouraged and will just have to learn not to be so hard on myself! You are definitely a great story teller. You should have been a teacher! Or maybe even a professional storyteller! You have a way of weaving a story to interest all. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. You have such a kind and caring heart.
ReplyDeleteMeaningful poem and words, Rose.
ReplyDeleteEverytime we go to the airport and see the young people in uniform, we wonder where are they going, when will they be back or if...
Very nice post, Rose!
ReplyDeleteOh Rose, that was so poignant. I feel the same way sometimes, too, especially since my oldest son, Scott (the one with the appendix surgery)spent about 6 years in the military. Fortunately his tour was all during "peace time". His dad, my first husband, also served in the Army and remained in it until he retired. I'm so glad I stopped by your blog today to see this. AND, I'm sorry I've missed a few of your posts! I promise to stay here and read more! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI almost cry every time I see a man in uniform! I can't help it. I used to send boxes of things to the son of a friend at our church. I'm so glad he is home now.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Angela
What a wonderful post :)
ReplyDeleteI gave you a shout out :)
http://harrietandfriends.com/2010/08/heres-a-shout-out-thank-you-peeps/
Amen! God bless our soldiers!
ReplyDeleteYes God Bless our Soldiers, I think of them often
ReplyDeletekim
What a wonderful story Rose. My husband was in the Air Force for 30 years, as was his brother and his father. God Bless the men and women in the armed services and God Bless America, Char
ReplyDeleteLovely post!! We keep a prayer list at church for all the military that we know of. It is very scary, though, especially with a little boy of my own. It must be incredibly hard for the military mothers out there!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very sensitive post. I have so much respect with people who serve in the country and put their lives in danger for our country. You are a good parent to have notice this kids and curious of how are they doing. I pray that those 12 military will have safe journey.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and commenting on my blog Ms. Rose.
Super Nice post, Rose!! Any of those younge people could have been one of my children too. I can not image what the parents of a soldier goes through. Then if one losses a child..... I don't think I would ever recover. I am saying prayers for these 12 in addition to the services and young people that I do already everyday.
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a wonderful weekend, Rose!
Hugs,
Coreen
Hi Rose it was so nice to read your post this morning. As for being 80 it is catching up to me although I like to be in my own world and think it isn't. I did not have my hand firmly om the desk this morning when I got out of bed, and went down. Just happy I did not break any bones. I HATE THAT> My dad lived to be 97 and I do not remember him ever falling.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose!
ReplyDeleteVery good post today!
Last night I went to a cousins wedding. I haven't seen this side of our family in a long time. I was chatting with a different cousin. she is in the Army. She is about to be sent to Germany and then later to Russia. I keep her in my prayers.
Blessings to our soldiers.....
ReplyDeleteAnd a heartfelt Thank You!!!
Rome? Really? I'm very familiar with Rome. My middle daughter wentand graduated from Berry. My uncle was (many years ago) the director of the agricultural department at Berry. Son of a gun. I love it over there.
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