On 23 April 2007, a young Oregon soldier was killed along with 8 others from his 82nd Airborne unit. His father reached out to Doug shortly after being notified by the army. They were casual acquaintances thru work…their shared military experiences and those of our sons had created a bond.
Over the next few weeks we watched this heartbreaking story unfold. We hurt for them, but couldn’t help think of our own as Andrew prepared to leave for his 2nd tour of duty and David wasn’t far behind with his 3rd.
Until this event I coped with deployments by ignoring the “one bad thing”. But the “one bad thing” is no respecter of persons. When it hits this close to home it’s impossible to ignore………and impossible to accept.
I’ve focused this week on war and loss and Memorial Day, not to be depress, but to remember.
I don’t like it…. but the reality is most Americans, generally speaking, don’t spend one second thinking of our men and women in uniform unless related or touched in some unique way.
I am compelled to show my love and respect ….and in my own way, keep the flag flying. It’s the least I can do for those special few who stand guard for all of us.
Heart's Home 
You are right, Brooke. There are too many people in our country who do not care to understand the sacrifice of our military, and their families. The indifference and, yes, even disdain towards our great military is disgusting.
For my part, I pray…and every time I see someone in uniform I shake their hand and say, “God bless you for your service to our country.”
Thank you for your post…the pictures are heartbreaking.
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It’s hard to understand the indifference and as you said, the disdain some people have. I guess that’s why I always feel a “burden” to tell these stories. But on the other side, there are good folks, like you 🙂 , who do appreciate and understand the sacrifice. Thanks, Bee.
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