A long 15 months ago I wrote this diary on the day my son-in-law left for what was supposed to be a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan. At o-dark 30 on February 15th, we welcomed him home.
They were supposed to be home on Valentine's Day - but the flight was delayed for 24 hours at the last minute. That was a harsh blow for the families waiting for their husbands and wives and fathers and mothers and daughters and sons.
But, there we all were on the morning of the 15th. It was cold (32 F) and foggy. We were all huddled together in the stands, waiting and straining to see through the fog. The announcer said "here come the buses" and the small crowd erupted in cheers. Then, we waited. And waited. We were assured that the troops were forming at the other end of the field (of course, we couldn't see past about 10 feet, so...) and then the drum beat started. We strained our eyes. Where were they? Then, a gentlemen next to me cried out - look, they're coming from the trees! And sure enough - a ghostly shadow appeared. First one - then many. From out of the fog into the pale sunrise light. It was eerie. And perhaps prophetic.
They stood proudly as the commanding officer welcomed them home, thanked them for their service, thanked the families. And after the singing of the National Anthem - pandemonium. Families sprinted across the cold, wet ground - calling out for their loved ones, because, quite frankly, it was nearly impossible to tell one from another.
My daughter took off in her special yellow heels (I know, I know - not a smart choice, but she wanted it to be special!) and finally found G. I followed up with their 1-year old - who G. had not seen since he was two weeks old. Tears. More tears. Joy abounding.
I didn't get a chance to check in with all the soldiers I saw when they left. But if my family is any indication - this was a memorable day. G. stayed up all day enjoying his son and his wife and his dog. Then he slept 12 hours.
Ladies and gentlemen - I've had the honor of seeing our military families in sorrow and in joy. It goes without saying that I prefer the joy. And so do they. Let's be sure that we keep our eye on the (to me) most important reason to elect a Democratic administration and Congress - to use our armed forces wisely and to treat them with respect and honor. It's the least we can do.
And here's a ps from a teen of the 60's. My grandfather was a veteran of World War I. My dad a veteran of World War II. My uncle a veteran of the Korean "conflict." My husband and three brothers managed to miss serving in Viet Nam. And for that I am eternally grateful. So it is with great humility that I give kudos to my daughter and her husband. They are true heroes. Please join me in honoring them. They are only two of many. And they are so very special. Godspeed to them all.