Today is a day of remembrance. To think about those who have served in wars past. To think about those who are overseas right now. And of course to think about their families.
Pictures will be added to this diary as soon as they're uploaded. Along with the story when it's released (probably tomorrow).
Today, in Cupertino, California "Memorial Park" finally became a real memorial park. Matthew Axelson, a Navy SEAL was killed in Afghanistan, along with several of his brothers in arms. To this day his mother, Donna, cannot speak of it without being reduced to tears.
She contacted the city (Cupertino) and asked if she could place a small plaque in the ground in his honor. The response: "small plaque? Pffft!" They had a huge unveiling today of a wall dedicated to fallen heroes, along with a statue of her son and another seal he served with. The Secretary of the Navy was there, along with many other dignitaries. Some of his teammates were there as well.
The demographics of Cupertino is very Democrat, and very anti-Iraq war. But when the former Mayor was speaking she said something very important. "I don't care what your politics are. Today is a day we honor those who served, still serve, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation."
After the ceremony I took my family to eat (I was in uniform). After we were finished I asked for the check. The waitress said, "I'm sorry but someone already paid for your meals" "Oh, that's not necessary" I said. "Who is it? Let me go talk to him". She actually looked apologetic and said, "he already left".
I served one tour in Iraq but I had it easy. I was only there four months. And even though we were on the front lines in Baghdad, we all came home safely. We also had access to modern amenities, like computers and telephones. It's very humbling when veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam come up, shake my hand and thank ME for serving. I just want to say, "Dude, you were in Normandy. WTF are you thanking ME for?"
So happy Veterans Day everyone. Too many Americans see it as a break from work and a day of shopping. Take one small moment out of your day to think about those who have fallen and their families.
God Bless