Dear Michael Barbour,
Every day at Wreaths Across America, we work to honor the service and sacrifice of our military. We are diligent in sharing stories of their lives to help make a personal connection for those of us who enjoy our freedom at their expense.
Early on in my time as Executive Director I became acutely aware of the challenges not only of the men and women who wear the uniform, but of their families. We all understand that they take an oath to protect our freedom and way of life and stand at the ready, but they also resolve that they and their families will make many sacrifices along the way.
I remember being approached after a speaking engagement by a young couple who wanted me to know that they had attended a ceremony that year in their community. We talked a while and they shared that he was about to be deployed and they would be relocating. They would be moving away from the helping hands of a grandmother, which would be difficult. They counted on her since their little boy had a serious illness. They added that they were certain the military community would be supportive. I relayed my concern for them to my daughter, a military spouse, whose response was, “It’s what we do.” Truer words were never spoken but they beg the question, “What can we do?”
For WAA this awareness of the “home front needs” of Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families has been touch stone in developing ways to work with like-minded organizations who have resources and skills to provide assistance, support and relief.
May has been designated as Military Appreciation Month. And although every month should afford them appreciation, this gesture does encourage everyone to reflect on the enormity of their sacrifices. That includes the daily sacrifice of not being with their loved ones. I read a quote once about the soldier who, although he would do it again, said while in service he missed his babies first steps and his mother’s dying breath.
So back to the question, “what can we do?”
We can embrace the military families and veterans in our communities and see that they receive the support they need. These men and women throughout history have been guardians and protectors of our Country. We can be the caretakers of this liberty by continuing to “find a way to serve” and show the next generation the real cost of Freedom.
Remember – Honor – Teach
With gratitude,
Join the Branch 25 of the Royal Canadian Legion (representing the San Francisco Bay Area) for their annual Memorial Day Service, supported by our U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) – Arkansas Division. The service will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion plot in the Greenlawn Memorial Park on 1100 El Camino Real in Colma at 11am on Saturday, 27 May.
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