Written November 10 2010
In today’s world of extremism, being a moderate is applauded. This works well for me, as I am moderate in most things. But today I choose to not be moderate. I am celebrating and observing Veteran’s Day in memory and honor of the sacrifices made every day by our military personnel and their families. For me, this has a deeper meaning than spouting off the historical significance of the holiday or posting a picture of a flag. Some people will roll their eyes today, and blog about their annoyance at the collective outburst of nationalism displayed by the masses every patriotic holiday. When I see comments like that, I always have an urge to rip off a long reply about patriotism and what it means to me. Let me tell you about patriotism and outbursts. I wonder if those people would really stop and think . . . . maybe even listen. Beyond the current bandwagon of military pride, there really is a deeper meaning for me.
“Patriotism is not short frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the quiet and steady dedication of a lifetime” (Adlai Stevenson)
This quote is a perfect description of my brother and his service. He’s not flashy about it, he detests the limelight, he doesn’t even like to talk about his work. But he goes about his job with quiet determination. Yes, it’s his job. Yes, it was his choice. Yes, he could walk away if he really wanted to. But it’s also a calling. And a decision he made, with very real consequences – of time and purpose and sacrifice. I have never heard my sister in law complain about his hours. Or his deployments. Or the last minute changes in schedules. Or the constant unknown. She is an amazing military spouse, and I love her even more for her support of his service. Our family doesn’t have the luxury of an impromptu weekend get together. Thousands of miles require careful planning. There are holidays where we can’t be together around the same table. There are sibling power hours that are patched together with a text or a phone call. And that’s okay. My sacrifice is so small in comparison to others. When I think about my brother’s service, I am proud and terrified all at the same time. Proud to see him in uniform. Proud that he is doing what he was born to do. Terrified of the unspoken.
So, tomorrow I’m going to go to work, because I’m not in the retail section of the bank, and it will be business as usual. But I will be celebrating our Veterans. I will celebrate my brother and his precious family, and my other military friends and their families. I will look up above my computer screen to the scrap of paper clipped from a bulletin seven years ago, and say the prayer for those in the Armed Forces of our Country, like I do every day.
25. For those in the Armed Forces of our Country - BCP 1979
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at homeand abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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