Do you have a veteran in your life? Someone who sacrificed their family time and some of their dreams in order to serve in the U.S. military?

My father served in WWII, under age with a fake ID. He went off to war. Patriotic? Possibly? He was trying to escape an abusive stepfather and found himself in a war instead. He survived thanks to the Lord’s grace and came home to marry my mom and have a family together.

A really old photo of my dad in his uniform with my mom when he was on leave.

My husband served for over twenty years, dual service. He was in the USN for eleven years and then 12 years as an officer in the USAF. He left the navy to be able to spend more time with his family instead of being at sea so much. Unfortunately, the USAF sent him to school constantly to train, but he was at home a little more and the children and I appreciated his home time.

Harry in our back yard in South Carolina as a newly commissioned officer.

I sincerely appreciate the service of all of the veterans, but most especially those whose service and commitment to honor and duty that I saw. I am very thankful for the lessons they taught me and our children.

If you see a vet today, thank them for their service. The United States is free because of them and others like them.