Thursday, November 11, 2010

Well Fed -- Veterans


Now where would I be without veterans?  Certainly not well fed, that's for certain.  Without veterans I'd be in some spot that nobody else wanted or thought worth defending.  Somewhere without water, sun, or soil.
Somewhere with thorns.  Somewhere with no freedom.

Above our piano we have a matted picture frame with six openings in it.  In the first spot is a picture of Calvin's grandfather in his World War I uniform.  In the second spot is a picture of Calvin's dad in his World War II uniform.  In the third opening is a picture of Calvin in his Viet Nam uniform.  In the fourth opening is a picture of Abe in his Army uniform, and in the fifth opening a picture of Ty in his Air Force uniform.  In the final spot is a quote about preserving freedom for the next generation.  During the Viet Nam war, Calvin's dad sat Calvin down one day and told him he had a responsibility to protect our freedoms.  He explained he had done it, his father before him had done it, and it didn't matter that the cause the country was in at the time wasn't popular, Calvin had a responsibility to serve. Calvin served.   

I like living in America.  I'm grateful that so many have made it possible for me.    

9 comments:

Barb said...

Happy Veteran's Day. I just figured out that the well fed post at the top is like your sub-header for the month. I thought you hadn't posted in forever!

melanie said...

I had the same thoughts as Barb. Glad to know I wasn't the only one.

I love the frame you wrote about. A great legacy, one that I'm grateful for.

Kim Sue said...

Jane, Life around here is busy, so I have not done what I should/wanted to do which is to have written you numerous times over the past couple of months because even though I don't know you personally, you and your family have touched me many times over. And, even though I have not written the notes that I should have, you and your kids have a place on my prayer list every week. Last night on Veterans Day, I thought a lot about how thankful I am for all the sacrifices your family has made and is making. Thank you for making your way into my life albeit a unusual way, but you know God frequently works in unusual ways.

michelle said...

I absolutely love the image of the framed picture of veterans in your family and the story of Calvin's father telling him he needed to serve his country. I wonder how common that was in a time when so many were going to extreme measures to avoid military service?

Derek-Jenny-Kaitlynd-Ethan-Dylan said...

Amen.
I am so thankful for your family!

Rachel said...

:) I love looking at those pictures above your piano. I love the picture you posted too. I saw that one for the first time at the exhibit this last weekend. I love that all generations are admiring, honoring, respecting, and looking up to that young man for his sacrifice.

Jill said...

How wonderful to have such a legacy of Military Service in your family!

Becky said...

How grateful we are for your family and the great service they have performed for America!

Love that painting as well....

Lucy said...

I think your personal views, and family service to back it up, is really quite admirable. I would like to have the same feelings of gratitude, but know I lack the depth of yours as no one except an uncle I was not close to, served in the military (and he was Canadian). Still, I am in profound awe by those who serve in our military.