A Hero's Thanks
Table Talk
Setting the Table
You are welcome here. Come just as you are, bringing whatever is on your heart today. Take a few moments and allow yourself to just be. Take a couple deep breaths, grab yourself a cup of coffee, light a candle, do something that brings you comfort. Allow yourself to be present in this moment.
When is the last time you stopped to remember those – present and not – whose sacrifice afforded us our freedom?
“Never was so much owed by so many to so few.”
— Winston Churchill
“Farewell!
Farewell!
Comrades true, born anew, peace to you!
And your memory shine like the morning-star.
Brave and dear,
Shield us here.
Farewell!”
— Joyce Kilmer, “Rouge Bouquet”
John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Food for Thought
For years, I’ve had a motto. Well, I have a few, but one in particular comes to mind as we celebrate Memorial Day and are in the midst of Military Appreciation Month. It’s a simple six-word phrase, yet it holds much weight.
See a vet.
Thank a vet.
l started this personal crusade of thanking our military veterans when I was working in retail management. Visitors to the store I managed would often include individuals wearing paraphernalia with logos from one of the armed forces. If it didn’t say veteran, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask if they served or are serving. Being the granddaughter of a Montford Point Marine, military men and women hold a special place in my heart.
The first thing I quickly noticed was the spark in most veterans’ eyes when they heard these five words, “Thank you for your service.” In return, I’ve always received a “thank you” and “you’re welcome”. Countless times I received an “it was an honor” from them.
Over the years, my respect and reverence for those who have served has increased. As I’ve learned more about the trailblazing Montford Point Marines, I’ve learned more about our military overall. I’m familiar with the rigor, sacrifice, uncertainty, isolation, ailments, and trauma many have endured to ensure our freedoms. I’ve heard some stories that have driven me to tears and some that have left me shaking my head. But what has always stood out for me is the fact that even through the difficulties, the pride these men and women have in serving this country always rises to the surface.
A couple years ago, I was traveling back home from vacation. I was in Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport at the boarding gate with a friend when I noticed a scene I’d never witnessed before. A t-shirt caught my eye, which had written on the back, “New England Honor Flight.” Immediately, I let out a small gasp. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, Honor Flights transport veterans to Washington, DC to visit the memorials erected in their honor. The honorees, many who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War, spend the day in the Nation’s Capital where they’re served lunch before returning home to a hero’s
welcome.
It wasn’t long before people at the airport noticed something special occurring. Phones started snapping photos and recording video. As a large crowd began forming, we were prompted to join in on the celebration. After the flight’s director played each branch of service’s hymns and we sang happy birthday to service members born in October and November, it was time to do what I consider a privilege, to live out my motto:
See a vet.
Thank a vet.
I made my way over to the approximately 20 veterans. As the tears began to fall, I thanked them one by one. A young gentleman who was turning 91 years old that month smiled and asked if he could give me a hug. “Of course!”, I said, quite enthusiastically. I’m not sure who needed it more – him or me. As I returned to the gate where my friend was waiting, I fell into her arms. It was an overwhelming experience.
I enjoy seeing veterans exalted while they’re alive to receive praise. Seeing veterans always makes me think about my granddaddy and how much I wish I had more than 26 years with him. It also prompts me to examine how we honor the lives of those who are no longer here to receive their thanks, especially as we observe Memorial Day this week.
I know I can’t do it all. However, one thing I will do is continue to honor our country’s heroes any chance I can – in their living and in their memory.
Our country is rich with men and women who’ve given so much for our sake. While we may not always know the right words to say, I can testify that an acknowledgment of what they’ve sacrificed is sometimes the most gratifying acknowledgment they need.
So, from this point forward, no more hesitation, ya’ hear?
See a vet.
Thank a vet.
They deserve it. And so much more.
Find time this week to offer a Moment of Silence in honor of those who served and sacrificed on our behalf.
Next time you see someone who is currently serving in the military, take time to offer your thanks to them personally. ‘See a vet. Thank a vet.’
For a printable version of today's reflection Click Here!
Blessing
God of Loving Sacrifice,
thank you for who you are. Inspire us to remember those who are no longer here to receive our thanks in person. Continue to protect those who are willing to stand on the front lines for our freedom. Please keep them safe stateside and abroad. Guide those who are charged with decision-making. And give strength and comfort to the families of our military members.
Amen.
A little Table Talk for your table...
How has the military, or any member of the military, left a lasting impression on your life?
How do you honor the military?
What can you do to make a difference in the life of a veteran?
Try taking it to the Kids Table...
What does the word remembrance mean to you? What about the word appreciation?
What can you do to appreciate those who are serving, or to remember those who have served, in the military?
Encourage your kiddo to ‘See a vet. Thank a vet.’
Meet our Welcoming Voice!
Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart loves God, her family, her friends, her cat-chirren, adventure, traveling, the outdoors, hammocking, concerting, laughing, reading, writing, and food.
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