I talked about one of my top two favorite veterans last Veteran’s Day. I don’t personally know any military folk who have fallen (and I’d like to keep it that way), so today I’d like to talk about my other favorite veteran – the one I married.
I’ve always loved that picture, because it captures her personality so well. The photograph was taken about 20 years ago, but that’s still the way I see her.
Her dad was a 2-star, and one of her brothers went to a military academy, so it wasn’t at all odd that she ended up in the military. I met her shortly after I left the Air Force, and was captured by her energy, intelligence, and playfulness. And after a chase of more than 5 years, I captured her with my wiles and craftiness.
She’s done a lot of different things since she left the Air Force, including helping me start a couple of companies, but the military best suited her. It left an indelible mark on her personality and carriage, as it does with so many other service members. And I think she’s a living embodiment of the virtues that we honor today.
So this was slightly off-topic for today, and I hope it doesn’t appear that I’m comparing her (and my) comfortable life with the sacrifices made by those who have died serving the country. It’s just that today makes me think of how happy I am that some people served but didn’t have to make that sacrifice.
Memorial Day isn’t complete unless you remember what its honorees saved, not just what they lost.
May 28, 2007 at 5:16 pm
yay, sis! (and props to nice hub, too)