It DOES mean something. All we do means something, and to be a young man or woman serving is not symbolism, but action. When your boy serves, he serves the common body, not always clearly defined, and too often defined by powers and politicians who do not share our exact values.
It is in his selfless desire to serve even those whose goals we may not espouse, that we honor the meaning of true service, true gallantry, and true bravery.
Videos, movies and newsreels like this one will always give us cause for doubt. Videos, movies and newsreels like this one will always give us reason to hope.
Please send your son a big hug from all of us here. He and his comrades are loved and appreciated, as are you and your family.
I am reading your reply through tears, but with a grateful heart. Thank you so much for your very kind words, but please don’t even try to put me in the same category as my son in terms of appreciation. When he wanted to join ROTC several years ago,I suggested that perhaps now was not the best time and he said “Mom, it’s exactly the right time.” I will send the hug!
Eileen – my deepest and most sincere thanks to your son for his service to our country, and to you and your family for raising a son who wants to serve as his is.
My dad served in the Air Force, and my grandfather in the Army, and I have special place in my heart for all military – past, present, and future.
Blessings of gratitude to you, your family, and your son.
Eileen Pettengill says:
My son is currently serving in Iraq. I pray to God it does mean something. Tough to watch the video…
May 26, 2008 — 7:30 pm
Don Reedy says:
Eileen,
It DOES mean something. All we do means something, and to be a young man or woman serving is not symbolism, but action. When your boy serves, he serves the common body, not always clearly defined, and too often defined by powers and politicians who do not share our exact values.
It is in his selfless desire to serve even those whose goals we may not espouse, that we honor the meaning of true service, true gallantry, and true bravery.
Videos, movies and newsreels like this one will always give us cause for doubt. Videos, movies and newsreels like this one will always give us reason to hope.
Please send your son a big hug from all of us here. He and his comrades are loved and appreciated, as are you and your family.
May 27, 2008 — 6:57 am
Eileen Pettengill says:
I am reading your reply through tears, but with a grateful heart. Thank you so much for your very kind words, but please don’t even try to put me in the same category as my son in terms of appreciation. When he wanted to join ROTC several years ago,I suggested that perhaps now was not the best time and he said “Mom, it’s exactly the right time.” I will send the hug!
May 27, 2008 — 8:59 am
Ann Cummings says:
Eileen – my deepest and most sincere thanks to your son for his service to our country, and to you and your family for raising a son who wants to serve as his is.
My dad served in the Air Force, and my grandfather in the Army, and I have special place in my heart for all military – past, present, and future.
Blessings of gratitude to you, your family, and your son.
May 28, 2008 — 3:57 am