On Veterans Day

This is a picture of my parents shortly after they were married and shortly before my Father was sent to Vietnam for the first time. I am guessing maybe 1965 or so?... I have never had to be reminded of the importance of Veterans Day since both my Father and Grandfather were Regular Army and both saw combat in some of our biggest wars and it was very much a part of our family history. I came along after my Father did his two tours (so above all I am thankful of his safe return -for my very existence...) But I only ever knew his war stories as a thing of his past. In this picture, they are still a thing of his future - a big scary unknown thing... Somehow it makes this picture that much more poignant to me. These two happy kids have no idea but my Father is about to go off to war, and my Mother is about to learn how to hold down the fort - twice (the first time pregnant and the second time with three tiny kids) all the while not really knowing if her husband was safe - or even where he was.
It is a reality that I can't even imagine. And even though I grew up in a Military home, I do forget that there are still people today - right this very minute - experiencing a reality that is pretty much the same one that my parents went through, and maybe a thousand times worse.... That is why we all need a reminder of the importance of our country's Veterans and the sacrifices they make - and that their families make - on a day like today. Because even when we think we know what it is like- what they go through - we will never truly know....

[Louise & Ken]

What a touching, loving, thoughtfully worded tribute to your parents, their story but a chapter in a very heavy book, that book just a volume in a massive library. I'm touched by the outpouring of remembrance in photos today from members of our community across the world. Let's remember those brave veterans everyday...their families do.

[Bette B]

Thanks for this story. It makes things much more meaningful.

[richard saffold]

nice tribute, and i am glad we got to meet you.

[Holly Daly]

@Weezilou @bette @chard Thanks guys - and me too Richard! ;) My Dad just let me know this picture was actually before they were married - so 1964 - but it doesn't change the narrative much, I think. They just had that much more ahead of them... :)