Dana's Pen: Costs of freedom

This morning I had the pleasure of going to watch 777 elementary schoolers sing some of my favorite patriotic songs, in honor of Veterans Day. This happens to be one of my favorite holidays, despite the fact that Texas has chosen not to make it a school-free day. It truly is a day to reflect, rejoice, and reunite. What can be better than that?

My sweet Wes and his third grade class sang the songs for each of the branches of our Armed Forces, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Before each song began, the class would shout out which branch they would be singing about. They started out, "United States Army!" and several of the invited guests, wearing bits and pieces of their Army uniforms from wars as far back as the Korean War would stand and be applauded. "Over hill, over dale..." As the men (and a few women) stood, the crowd erupted in applause. The few men too old and weak to stand on their own were assisted and the students began clapping even harder. It was precious. And the best part is that these kids, all under the age of 11, couldn't possibly understand that they were in the presence of greatness. "United States Navy!" A few more folks stood, including a man who looked barely old enough to enter the service, but an injured Veteran nonetheless. He was wearing full dress uniform. "United States Marines!" A smaller group stood, and applause erupted loudly when two of the teachers also stood to receive cheers. Finally, "United States Air Force!" The kids never lost a beat, singing through all four songs. "Off we go, into the wild blue yonder..." and a gentleman, with the assistance of his wife, stood slowly and saluted the third graders. Tears streamed down my cheeks. It was one of those precious moments when you realize that something amazing has happened, and you wonder if anyone else bore witness. If it weren't for the three rows of grandparents and two canes in my way, I would have gone to that precious man and hugged his neck. He lowered his arm and was assisted back to his wheelchair, but not before finishing the last verse, "Nothing will stop the US Air Force!"

It's hard for kids Wesley's age to have the kind of perspective we have. I know that Wes views Veterans as real American heroes. He worships his Uncle Jay, an Iraq Veteran. He thinks it's super cool that he's related to so many amazing Veterans and service members. He treasures them. But I wonder if any of his classmates understand how incredibly valuable these folks are. How much they are a part of not just American history, but the history of the world. How much they are embedded into the very fabric of our nation, and what kind of sacrifice was offered so that my sweet Wes and his third grade class would have the privilege and honor of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and could sing The Star Spangled Banner in a small school gymnasium with children of all races, religions, and cultural backgrounds. Is it possible for a 9 year old to fathom the immense pain of loss and the grief endured for their freedom? Can they understand how much blood is left on the battlefield, and how much pain is stored in the minds and hearts of every combat veteran? Can they imagine what kind of cost war comes with? And do they appreciate the service of people who must leave family and friends to do jobs that no one else can or will do, to ensure the safety of our country, and the freedom and privilege we hold dear? Do we, as adults, even understand it?

As I write this, I sit staring at a pile of pictures. I have grandparents, uncles, sisters, in-laws, cousins, and friends who have or are currently serving. In fact, my brother-in-law left for Afghanistan yesterday. To say that I am proud of my heritage is an understatement.

My heart felt so big, and so full, and so proud today. I stood in a room full of super heroes. I stood in a room full of people who put country before self. I stood beside families who knew what the word sacrifice meant, and had paid the price many times over. I knew I would never be able to repay these veterans for their courage, their commitment, their honor, their sacrifice. But I wouldn't give up on trying.

After high school, I had the privilege of joining the United States Navy. While my naval career was short, to say the least, I take great pride in knowing that my country had called on me to be a member of an elite group of citizens. To ever be counted among the greatest of our country is far more honor than I deserve. But I am grateful nonetheless. I wish now, now that it is too late for me, that I had been able to honor my commitment to the fullest and given back to a nation that has given me so much. What I cannot do in the past, I will try to make up for in the future. Gratitude is paid forward.

I want to honor my family of Veterans. I want to make their courage and commitment known to the world. I am proud of them for doing what I could not. And I want to honor the members of my family that served, even in times of amity, and sacrificed of themselves to ensure safety and peace.

If you haven't yet, teach your children how to honor and respect America's greatest defenders. Teach them how to cherish and treasure the generations before us, and teach them to do it while those generations are still here to appreciate it.