Veterans Day 2010 - Part 2

I wanted to go back to Veterans Day as a follow-up. I did as I had planned that day and went to Mass around 8:15 a.m. I became very rattled at first and there were a larger number of people (possibly 50 or so) more than I expected. And then, since the Parish has a grade school, the school children were being led in by their teachers. I was almost panicked, forcing tears not to flow especially when I saw a statue of a soldier saluting on the Alter.

After the children were seated I went in and sat in a fairly empty pew with a couple people in the pew behind and in front of me. When the Priest was walking in the Children sang a song about America. Mass then started and the Priest came down to where the children were and asked them about soldiers and what they do, how they protect us, etc. He also named all the Branches of Service. Soon Mass continued and at Communion he asked all active duty and veterans to stand. The children all turned to look at us. I was such a mess and could not control the tears no matter how I tried. They then asked us to go get Communion first. Then before Mass ended we again had to stand up. Young children then brought us a small American Flag and then a first grader brought each of us a hand made card for Veterans Day and my tears got worse and I was almost sobbing. To make it worse I brought no tissue or handkerchief. At that time, with the Children still looking at us, they all applauded.

It has been 40 years since I first went into the service and this was the only time I had ever received a Veterans Day card or recognition. I was, and still am, overwhelmed. The following day when I went to work I told a Vietnam Veteran who I know only a little about the day and told him that if I would die now my life would feel complete.

Tears come to my eyes as I enter this post and words cannot express how moved I was and continue to be by this experience. I will never forget that day.