MILITARY FAMILY APPRECIATION WEEK 2009
“…Obama pledged his support of military members and their families and said Americans have a “solemn obligation” to preserve their well-being in his proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month.”
Military Family Appreciation Week is from 21 to 28 November 2009. (We need a set-aside week? Well, Veterans only get a day a year, maybe they’ll eventually get a week too…tho I’m not holding my breath, esp with this administration…)
Admiral Mullen has this message:
“As we count our blessings this month, America’s Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen serve day and night around the globe to defend our Nation. We are all very proud of them, and yet we should never forget that none of them do it alone. The extraordinary families who support them sacrifice every bit as much to make their service possible. In the spirit of giving thanks, we devote this week to honor and appreciate our military families.
Our families serve as the bedrock for our Nation’s defense. Family members may not shoulder a weapon, drive a ship or fly combat sorties, but their commitment, support and endurance is a source of great pride and inspiration for us all. From care packages to emails to invaluable friendship, your love and devotion helps our forces do their very best. I can think of no better words to express this than those spoken by a Soldier from the 25th Infantry Division upon his return from Afghanistan. Reflecting on his family’s help while deployed, he said “just receiving letters… seems to give you the motivation needed to stay upbeat…. I couldn’t do this without your support.”
Our combat readiness stems from readiness at home, and America’s might is a reflection of the power of military families. As a Nation, we can certainly never say or do enough to express our gratitude for their devotion and sacrifice, but this week is one way in which we show our appreciation.
On behalf of my family and those of the Joint Chiefs, to all our military families, past and present, we thank you for your service and for your love. Our Nation’s strength and honor depend upon you. Because of you, we truly accomplish far more than we ever could alone.”
Sincerely,
M.G. MULLEN
Admiral, U.S. Navy
Well, at least he still gets it (as proven by the soldier’s quote he included) and didn’t put “diversity” above the lives of our men and women in uniform and the people who love them.
And we have a CIC who jokes about our kids in uniform making a good photo op…how classless and clueless can one be? You may say, “Oh, he was just getting a laugh. Lighten up”. No, no…not going to fly after all his anti-military baggage.
Can you imagine how those of us with loved ones serving their country felt about that remark? For those of us old enough, it brought back shades of the Vietnam war era and how our troops were called “baby killers” and “murderers”.
Military families are special people for what they sacrifice for their country, especially the Gold Star Families and we are ever in their debt. Without them we would not have the Military we have ~ the finest in the world. And standing at Dover saluting flag-draped coffins with the press clicking away, does not undo all the actions of the past and present.
On Nov. 29, will people stop appreciating these families? Or even thinking about them? Military families don’t wear a uniform or a logo. Some of us do wear our little Blue Star pins, keeping our soldier near our hearts. Yet, after eight years of two wars, so many people don’t even know what the Blue Star signifies. Did you ever stop and wonder if the lady ringing up your groceries or the bank teller handling your deposit or your insurance agent has a son or daughter in harm’s way?
Just 1% of this country’s population serve in the Military. 1% who took an oath to defend the Constitution against enemies, both foreign and domestic. Who’s defending them?
I’m heart-swelling proud and honored to be a part of this select group of Moms, Dads, sisters, brothers, wives, husbands, sons and daughters, aunts and uncles and cousins. Oh - and can’t forget the grandmas and grandpas!!
It’s shameful that too many folks who sleep in safety and live in the greatest country on earth (so far…), don’t realize what price was paid and by whom.
~~~~~~
If every single soldier
took his Mother off to war,
it would be the quickest battle
that was ever fought before…
the kindest sweetest Mother
would turn into something wild
should any sort of danger
pose a threat to her dear child.
There’s something in a Mother
that clicks in when baby’s born -
that tells her to protect him
and keep him safe from harm…
the female of the species
is the fiercest, so they say -
So take the Mothers with you -
you’ll be home within the day…
