Don’t Forget the Families

Another Veteran’s day.  Every year we are told that we should be grateful for the men and women who serve because without them, we would have no freedom.

I can’t remember a time when military was not a part of my life.  My uncles, who were more like big brothers to me, were in the Army and Navy.  My mom’s first husband was in the Air Force.  His brothers were in all branches of the military, and from the ages of five to almost 12, we lived the life of a military family, moving far from loved ones, and having to move again, just as I was beginning to make friends.

Drew’s son was in Iraq.

I have former classmates and former students who have served, and some who still do.

It isn’t just the enlisted who sacrifice.  It’s the parents worrying about their son or daughter.  It’s the spouses worried about their partners.  It’s the kids, who don’t really understand why daddy or mommy is away, but they know the ache of missing them.

For these reasons, I honor veterans and their families, not just today, but every day.

But can we please stop pretending that war and our military are about our freedom?  We haven’t fought for our country’s freedom since 1945.  Everything since has been an opportunity for politicians to line their pockets.