This week I attended a Veterans Day assembly at my children’s elementary school. Needless to say, I cried through the whole thing. Sometimes I think I’m a water faucet, primed and ready for the slightest sentimental trigger.
And what’s more sentimental than seeing a host of third graders—including my youngest darling—jump to their feet singing, I’m Proud to Be an American? Especially after they’ve told us the painful and glorious history of Veteran’s Day and the American Flag.
I mean, sheesh, the school should hand out warnings for these events:
Emotion-provoking songs and quotes inside. BYOK
Bring your own Kleenex, of course. Something I neglected, much to the chagrin of the lady sitting next to me, who had to wring out her sleeve after the program. I should’ve anticipated the waterworks, given the fact that I’ve bawled through sixteen consecutive years of school events, ranging from pilgrim-and-Indian sing-a-longs to roller skating.
Okay, maybe I didn’t cry at that one.
But to add the icing to the proverbial cake, or the sobs to the hysterical mama, in my case, this week’s Veterans assembly included two new tearjerkers, amazing causes to which I am now emotionally dedicated.
Hmmmm….was that the plan here? Rev up a little patriotic spirit, tug on those heart strings and—bam!—seal the deal with touching music and video? I don’t know about the hundreds of school kids, but it worked on me. Honestly, I hope it worked on them, too. They ought to be thankful for the men and women who protect our country and innocents all over the globe.
I hope my children want to sacrifice to help these brave men and women. Tonight I’ll remind them of family and friends who’ve served faithfully over the years. Shout outs to Joe Hutchins, Crawford Roberts, Gene Myers, Jim Sheets, Kamie Young, Lyanna McKinney, Eric Liftee and Charles Thatcher. These are just a few that came to my mind. I’m sure there are more. I honor you all.
So, on to the two causes—The Wounded Warrior Project and Angel Flight.
The Wounded Warrior Project focuses on post-9/11 veterans with serious injuries. It helps them obtain needed prosthetic limbs and teaches them how to do things they probably never dreamed they could again—snow ski, mountain climb, slalom, run. What a way to restore hope to a hero whose world has been torn apart.
Click here for information on how to support the Wounded Warrior Project.
Angel Flight is a service where pilots donate their time and the use of their planes to fly injured or ill veterans and their families to medical care they couldn’t otherwise receive. They also transport the bodies of fallen heroes back home for burial. What an honorable way to serve those who have served our country so completely. Angel Flight is also available for civilians in need.
Several independent Angel Flight organizations serve different parts of the US and Canada. Click here to find out more.
If you’ve read my recent post, Why I Let Him Fly: A Pilot’s Wife’s Journey of Love, you won’t be surprised to learn that Angel Flight is a cause that appeals to me. My husband, Matt, has expressed interest in it before, for someday when his schedule lightens up a bit. After the assembly today, where I heard from an Angel Flight representative and saw the video (seriously, watch it!), I am completely on board.
As the program closed, with the third grade leading the school in I’m Proud to Be an American, the kindergartners waved a flurry of miniature flags over their heads. I hope they never forget it. Thanks to Jessica Culver and Jill Douthit for putting together such an inspiring program.
Why is Veterans Day meaningful to you? Who do you honor?
