I feel grossly unqualified to identify as a military wife, especially today.
Jeff has served most of his duty safely stateside. Even when he was overseas, I accepted it was only for 10 months. Temporary. Not a career combat commitment.
I do not know the heartbreak this day brings to families whose loved ones died in service to America.
Jeff came home.
So, someone else is writing for me today.
My daughter Abby Kate beautifully expresses the meaning of Memorial Day in an essay she wrote for school last year. Her words earned her the experience of laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during her 5th grade field trip in October 2019.
Abby Kate writes:
I would be honored to participate in the tomb of the unknown solder wreath laying ceremony. I am part of a military family. Also, I love history.
My daddy is in Afghanistan serving our country and protecting it. He is in the Navy Reserves. I am sad he is gone, and hope he comes home safely and in one piece. Some soldiers get killed and don’t get to come home. Their families are sad and upset. This ceremony is a way for us to pay our respects.
I have liked learning about history since I was a little kid. History helps us understand our world. I have a lot of books about Washington, D.C. Seeing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and getting to help with a wreath would make me feel like I am part of history.
My grandfather was also in the military. He was a marine. He died in 2007 before I was born. He loved America. I will feel like my poppa is still here when I stand by the tomb.
I am excited about our trip to Washington, D.C. It will be special to see places I have pictures of and read about. I will have fun learning more about our country.
After Arlington, we visited the Smithsonian Museums and that is where I took the picture shown above. It still brings tears to my eyes.
We owe a great debt to the men and women who did not make it out of uniform.
And that is what this day is all about.
“David said about him: “I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave…”
(Acts 2:25-27)
