I am not a big blogger about certain days of the year. I write when I get the chance, and when I have something I just want to get off my chest usually. Today is like that for me. I saw my precious and beautiful 10 year old daughter sing in show choir today. She did fantastic - and it sounded wonderful. But, it was before they sang that I was really gripped by something, several somethings actually.
I watched as these precious men, dressed in uniform ( and in their late 60's at least) "practiced" their walk and their special part of the program. It was all done so honorably. It was all business. It was stunning to watch these precious older gentlemen take so seriously what they would be doing before a group of children who couldn't possibly understand the magnitude of what they had given - what sacrifices they had made in their lives to wear those uniforms. If I weren't trying not to embarrass my daughter I would have been bawling like a big baby.
There was our American flag.
There were these gentlemen.
There was such a display of honor. And then... the strings.
The middle school orchestra was playing "I'm proud to be an American". I got goose bumps. I really wanted to learn how to play the violin even more than I ever have! In that moment it made me terribly sad for the things that we forfeited in the last election because somehow we have forgotten what beliefs America was founded on. It made me realize how time is fleeting - and how this one nation, under God, indivisible... is actually divided - because we are no longer proud to be under God.
It was a solemn experience for me.
I wanted to cry.
I wanted to shout out that we should be proud to be Americans - but that we needed to remember our roots.
I wanted to know how to properly salute those men who had given so much for this country and I wanted to go hug all of my friends who are in the military and tell them that what they do is honorable.
I'll not quickly forget those precious men, showing each other such respect. They knew what price was paid in order for them to be able to come and walk down the gym floor and represent their country - even in front of a bunch of children (and probably adults too) who couldn't appreciate the magnitude of that one song - or that ceremony.
God help us - and may God bless our friends and family members in the military.
