last night

Nov 11, 2009

Last night our family slept peacefully because of the sacrifices and dedication to God and Country our Veterans have made.

thanks veterans

I want to share a comment made by a Facebook friend, Dan LeClerc…
This morning, I saw the old man who has served as the crossing guard down the street for years in a new light. Usually he’s wearing overalls and beat-up ball-cap. This morning he was in his old dress uniform, the chest covered with medals and ribbons. I guess his job has always been to protect us.

I’m especially proud of my family, the McKain’s, who hold the record in the State of Indiana (and who knows where else), for the largest number of brothers in the armed services of our country. I can’t imagine how my Grandmother felt to have her sons — Dean, Roland, Richard, Dallas, Max, Roscoe, Otis, Jack and Johnny — as well as a daughter-in-law (who served as a registered nurse) in places such as North Africa, Korea, Sicily and so many other areas so far from home. Yet, she was quoted as saying if needed, she would join them herself.

I have a brief childhood memory of the funeral of Dad’s brother, Roscoe. I was so young, and didn’t really know the man, my uncle, who was to be laid to rest. I do remember a tattered gentleman walking up to the casket right before the services started. He was wearing a uniform, and he did nothing but salute, turn and leave. I remember that it made my Dad cry. 40 plus years later, I understand why.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if today, we would all take a moment to personally thank those we know that have served, or are serving, our country?