Posted: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 12:00 am
Thanks to every veteran and every service person who has served, is serving and will serve our country.
When I complain about my government without fear of reprisal I say thanks. When I pray in a church, synagogue, mosque, or under a tree without fear of reprisal, I say thanks.
When I walk down the street with my head held high and my heart unafraid of being sent to a labor camp or worse because I smile at a person or have my face uncovered I say thanks.
Thanks to every person who has fought or stood guard or simply been willing to make a sacrifice for me. Thanks to the older veterans who suffered in World War II and Korea and now find their number small as time marches on.
Thanks to the Vietnam veterans who fought and then came home to be spit on.
Thanks to the current soldiers who are wading through sand storms and mountains and treacherous settings with pounding hearts and aching heads and still coming home trying to smile.
Thanks to families of service people who came back to them in a box, too quickly forgotten.
Thanks to every veteran in a hospital, mental institution, under a bridge or residing in an isolated part of our country because of experiences suffered while fighting for my freedom.
Thanks to the family of every veteran who fights the unseen battles of post traumatic stress and continues to love the veteran even when he or she finds it hard to love him or herself.
When I am tempted to judge, may I remember that one nightmare that a service person goes through is worse than any pain I can possibly feel. May I always remember to say thanks.
Florence Gestrin, Albany