Open letter to our Military – by Laine D
May 30, 2011 by Laine D
Filed under Aspire to Inspire, Just me
It’s not enough to say… “Thank you” – but I do.
It’s not enough to pray for you every night - but I do.
It is not enough to think about the privations you endure for us - but I do.
It is not enough to think about the freedoms you give up daily to keep us free - but I do.
It is not enough to shake your hand and thank you when I meet you in the world – but I will.
It will NEVER be enough to cry and pray for you when you are injured or make the ultimate sacrifice – but I will.
I know that you don’t ask for thanks or recognition but I give it anyway!
Maybe it comes close to say that I have stood with you and would gladly be your comrade in arms again.
And to tell you that you are welcome in my heart and home any time.
Thank you for keeping me and mine free!
God bless & Thank you.
Laine & family
Flag raising at Iwo Jima
Thank you for your comments. I served in the Air Force during the Viet Nam war, but didn’t see any combat. However, some of my friends did not come back from the war. People in the military only carry out the policy of the government, they do not make policy. We need to take time to honor their service and sacrifice.
Thank you for your service Ron!
While I know most people support our military I think it is time to say it more firmly. With so much that is negative happening the troops are still out there holding the line, in good weather and bad, in good times and bad.
Its time this country were reminded that 60% of the Enlisted live on food stamps and how hard it is to be without your loved ones for the holidays.
I was looking at the Proud to be an American page today and after seeing their images it led me to a opportunity to write my thanks to a military member – this ‘poem’ just wrote itself.
It came from my heart and I hope reaches theirs and their families.
PS I would appreciate you spreading the word to any military families so they can share it too.
Laine
Beautiful, Laine! Like Ron, I served in Viet Nam. Two combat tours seemed like a lot, then. But many are serving three and four combat tours now. And as you say, more than half of their families are living on food stamps. That, in my opinion, is a national shame! It’s bad enough that they live below the poverty level when they’re at home. But to ask them to put their lives on the line? Absolutely shameful!
Thanks for taking the time to express your feelings. I hope it’s contagious!
Laine, you did a great job of summing up what most of us take for granted. We get so caught up in our own lives we forget that their our people out there fighting for us and going through hell, while we sit and watch TV and forget them. I’m glad I took the time to read this.
It’s never a bad idea to draw attention to those who serve. I’m of the mind that their commitment is worth too much to be so easily used as it has lately, but that does nothing to reduce the importance and worth of that commitment. Nicely said Laine.
Totally agree Doc! As a military brat, wife x 2, widow and ex service member I’ve seen it from all sides.
I was visiting the ‘Proud to be an American’ page and after viewing the sideshow it asked you to write a note to a military member – and the words just came…. I hope it will make a difference for someone.
Active duty military and Guard members put there lives on the line and personal lives on hold for little pay and less gratitude. Veterans including those injured or damaged by war are treated even worse! The number of Veterans (male and female) living on the street or in their cars is beyond disgusting.
Thank you for your service ~ all wars are tough but I’ve heard the Viet Nam was a special kind of hell. Glad you and Ron made it home and hope my words helped you feel appreciated. You are!
with our gratitude
Laine
Hi Dennis,
Thank you ~ means a lot that you took the time. When I realized I was crying writing it I knew I needed to share! Hopefully the message will get to where it needs to. If it makes one veteran or service member feel loved then it was worth it.
Warm regards,
Laine
Hey Paul,
Yeah ! I’ve been hearing the negatives the troops are facing not just in the field but at home… felt I needed to weigh in on the subject to perhaps make one person feel more appreciated!
Thanks for being one of the good guys!
Laine
Laine,
This could not be said better. We all should be saying thank you and God Bless our troops.
Chris
Thank you, Laine – couldn’t have said it any better. My Dad served at Normandy in WWII, and I remember that he had a hard time ever talking about it. I simply cannot imagine!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of those who have sacrificed so much to keep our freedom alive!
Happy Veteran’s Day!
I have a friend serving in the US Air Force reserves in Afghanistan, and read his long (and usually amusing) emails about the conditions in their camp. I have posted a link to this on my Facebook page, and hope others might use it to send for themselves. Lovely words Laine.
Laine, your message is beautiful and tugged strongly at my heart. It’s worth publishing on many sites to express our gratitude for the men and women who serve in our military. God bless you for your tender heart to touch so many lives with your writing!
This is lovely, Laine. I don’t know how aware you are that we have nearly a quarter of a million homeless veterans…. Many of them want to be hidden because they no longer trust the society that sent them to war, and for whom they sacrificed so much. They feel betrayed that the very people for whose freedoms they fought, now turn their backs on them.
Many people think of them as bums, derelicts, drunkards, and n’er-do-wells. How do you think they came to this place? How does a person go from an impeccably-groomed, buzz-cut military person to an unkempt, self-medicated hulk who likely suffers from alcoholism and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and who finds shelter under a gritty highway bridge at night?
You will find some of the answers in “The Invisible Ones” which merely pries up one edge of something considered by many to be a national travesty.
We posted this award-winning documentary in its entirety so that everyone who cares about our troops and veterans will open their eyes to this community issue.
http://vimeo.com/10424497
Laine, what a beautiful letter and I concur with your sentiments exactly.
Chris,
Thank you I’m glad you thought it worthy!
Please pass it on to any military members and family that you feel it would mean something to from both me and you.
Keep the flag flying and God Bless our troops.
Laine
Jeannine,
What they go through is unbelievable – I’ve seen it and experienced it 2nd hand from my Grandfather, Dad, my husbands (2) and family members and it is still hard to put into words. So when the words ‘came’ I knew I had to share.
I’ve received a huge response 99% positive – although one woman wrote to say ‘don’t block my inbox’ ! Since she is an author of spam marketing emails lets just say she will be removed from my contacts!!
Please fell free to share it ! I was ‘given’ the words for a reason. If your Father is still with us – I hope it will communicate how much we appreciate his great gift.
Thank you for reading
Laine
Amanda.
Please tell your friend and his comrades how much we appreciate them all!
Can’t tell you how I found the words, they were just there
Thanks for sharing
Laine
Lesa,
Wow I can’t believe the response its getting. Thank you for your comments.
Perhaps this goes a little way to redress the negatives that are thrown at our troops every day. Please feel free to ‘give’ it as my gift and yours to whomever you think might benefit or feel appreciated!
God Bless our troops
Laine
Patty Kay,
I have watched your documentary and feel it should be mandatory viewing for every school!
I’m definitely aware of what happens to our troops wounded mentally if not physically! Even those who assimilate back into society are changed and the ones who cannot immediately adapt are thrown by the wayside. I caught the end of Oprah last night and saw Montel Williams (a 22 yr veteran) decry the stars who used the free publicity of visiting the troops at Walter Reed and Bethesda but now no longer visit because its not in the forefront of the news.
Please feel free to use this small token to bring light to your work and pass it on to all who might find comfort from it! Perhaps a combination of my words and your images?
God Bless you for your vision and God Bless our Troops!
Laine
Chris,
Thank you! please share it with any that may find comfort from my words as a ‘Thank you’ from me and you!
Laine
Beautiful, Laine…. just beautiful! Thank you for speaking for all of us!
Laine, I appreciate & am deeply touched by your words … Mahalo for putting your emotions, thoughts & responses in print which I also share with you! I made my contribution to the freedom efforts by serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam era in a non-combat communications position. I am proud to be an American & have a son who is now serving with the Army Nt’l Guard in Afghanistan till August 2011. My heart is on the front line with him for his safe return. I share your prayers for the troops.
God bless & keep them in His care until we meet again.
as a veteran myself that was very nice to read… Thank you Laine!
Please accept it as my tribute to you for your service Jeremy and share it with anyone veteran or serving military member you think needs to feel appreciated!
Some days are harder than others for all of us – I find Veterans Day (& Remembrance Day this Sunday) particularly difficult.
Laine
Randy,
I think the correct response would be ‘a’ole pilikia (?)
I am so glad that my words meant something to you..
I am not yet a citizen but was married to an American military officer and served with the US military overseas, (I’m also a British military widow and military brat) – so whether I am classed as one or simply one of the ‘Allies’ it is my honor to salute our wonderful service men and women – past, present and future.
Please accept my appreciation for your service and that of your son. I will send my heart with yours to the front line and please send my words to him and his comrades in gratitude and understanding.
God Bless you & our troops.
Laine
I had to take a break from answering comments yesterday as I was getting too emotional
Thank you for reading Heidi – please forward it to anyone you think needs to know we care
Laine
Very beautiful Laine. Wish I’d had it to pass out to the vets who came to my daughters school yesterday.
That was a very moving story that you shared about Captain Grismore’s remains finally coming home from WWII and being welcomed home by his brother.
If the school decides to send a Thank you to him – feel free to ask them if they will include it for the Veterans, with our appreciation.
As Remembrance Sunday approaches I want to honor the British Military too.
Laine
You got some great response on this topic! Thank you for honoring all the brave people out there doing their jobs for their countries. Wonderful letter,
Franziska
Franziska,
I have truly received some beautiful comments on this… and some nasty ones – which luckily came direct!
I understand my little piece was distributed on the ground at some Remembrance Sunday ceremonies today which made my heart feel good. 11.11 is one of those dates that healed a huge war and we should use it to celebrate and thank those who served no matter the uniform.
Loved your piece about getting what you want http://ow.ly/39GXL.
Laine
I saw this when it was first posted and really appreciated it. Lovely to see the many comments from vets. The vets in my family are now deceased (previous generation), so I try to stay aware of the larger community. It is nearly impossible to really grasp the sacrifice made by those in service.
A timely and lovely post.
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
Thank you Judy!
Thank you posthumously to the vets in your family ~ without them and all of those like them we wouldn’t have the freedom to be who we are. My Father and Grandfather are both passed and many of my friends who served are now gone…
In your recent piece “How’s the Writing? A Look Toward the Holidays and a Reality Check” http://ow.ly/39Huf about needing to write I recognized a truth that this piece particularly brought home… I always find this time of year emotional with the US Veterans Day and Remembrance Sunday and wrote this in response! Especially knowing that so many veterans are homeless or struggling emotionally and financially it was time to strike a blow FOR them. The response has been overwhelming but very cathartic for writer and reader.
Next time you visit your family whisper it from you and me!
Laine D
http://www.ThoughtsfromABroad.net
AMEN!! I think that far too many of us take advantage of those who put their lives on the line for us every day. I know that I do. Thank you to all those who are valiantly protecting our freedom and the luxuries that we love.
Awnya Boam
The 30 Day Lady, mommy, blogger, felt toy specialist
Thank you so much Awnya – I know so many do not recover from the trauma or injuries and it would seem that our economy has hit these men and women hard, plus of course the increased call on the National Guard troops and Reservists.
There are always people willing to blame things on the military But sometimes its hard to find the words to Thank them… I’m glad to voice so many peoples support. It has truly been an amazing experience!
Thanks for reading
Laine D
http://www.Thoughtsfromabroad.net
This is beautifully written Laine, although I do not feel that words cannot adequately express my gratitude for those who left their family and friends to risk their lives for our freedom.
Rachel Lavern
http://www.rachellavern.com
Personal Transformation, Enlightenment and Development
This is great Laine and as a former Marine, I love your choice of blog pictures.
Jean Bentley
Building Relationships…One Cards at a Time
http://www.connectingliveswithcards.com/relationship-building/new-site-up-and-running/
Semper Fi Marine – Thank you for your service and please accept this with my gratitude, I’m a squid personally! Laine
Thank you Rachel –
I feel the same, those words are so hard to find aren’t they! How do you say thanks when someone has given everything?
Laine
Wow! That is honestly one of the most beautiful and poignant things I’ve read in a long time. All of us need to keep these wonderful men & women in our thoughts and prayers at all time! Thanks, Laine!
Sharon Hiebing
Follow Your Dream Compass
Sharon,
It seems strange to say I’m glad you enjoyed it, maybe I should say that I’m glad that the feelings I wanted to convey rang true
I didn’t want to be one of those who say things for effect since I struggle every Memorial day, Veterans day and Remembrance Sunday – thinking of those who gave their lives, were injured or now face living in a world permanently changed for them.
I have been overwhelmed by the response from Veterans, their families and wonderful people like you who care and who appreciated my words and shared their story.
Thank you for visiting, I’m looking forward to getting to know you better.
Laine D
Thoughts from A Broad
Thanks for such a moving letter, Laine. It’s a much-needed reminder that freedom isn’t free.
Laine – That was beautiful. Such a wonderful reminder for all of us to reach out, thank, and support our troops for keeping us safe. Each day thousands of troops are in harms way just so they can allow us to continue our normal lives.
When you think about it, those soldiers fight everyday so we can enjoy freedom and pursue our dreams. Don’t we owe it to them to take advantage of everything we have at out fingertips, follow our dreams, and LIVE BIG.
In gratitude -
Jennifer Bourn, http://www.bourncreative.com
You are gifted my dear. This was a heart felt, poignant tribute to those that keep us safe. Freedom isn’t free…we all need to remember why we enjoy the freedoms we do and give thanks and honor to those that serve. You have done just that.
Darcie
Using Real Estate to Fuel Retirement
http://www.mywealthspa.com
Already commented once but I just wanted to say that I passed it to the principle at school with your suggestion. Up to her whether she passes it on to the vets that attended school on vets day.
Louise Edington
International AuPair Finder
Facing Fear and Frontiers over Fifty
http://louiseedington.com
Hi Louise,
Thank you so much! I was rather surprised that my youngest took a copy to her school Veteran’s Day breakfast and read it for a bunch of retired marines who make up school security ~ she was very embarrassed that they all came up and hugged her! and said they’re not so tough Mum they had sparkly eyes from crying.
Thank you for helping me share it with people who have done so much for us.
p.s love your new tag line… Facing Fear and Frontiers over Fifty – powerful stuff!
Laine
Darcie,
That means a huge amount coming from you… Thank you! It was meant as my simple tribute but has grown and I’m touched by the response it has garnered.
Laine
Jennifer,
Absolutely true, they support us with all that they are so we owe it to them to be the best we can be!
Thank you!
Laine
Haley,
To give this a true parallel this is one of my Thankful things – maybe F stands for Freedom!
Thank you!
Laine
Laine, you’re welcome. As a 60’s era vet, I and all the other vets in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s put up with a lot. I hadn’t been paying too much attention to the changing mood until this year. It was nice.
Michael Cavitt
Reducing ambiguity. Increasing results.
http://www.cavittassociates.com
You expresses your thoughts so beautifully. I think it is outrageous the way our veterans are treated once they return, especially the ones who suffered mentally. They do not get the care and attention they truly deserve. I hope this can change. We as a society should be doing everything in our power to make sure these men and women get what they need once they come home. Thanks for sharing