A friend of mine, the gal who ran Willow River 10K with me last year, told me about a half-marathon race in a small town near us, called the "Uff-Da" run. Appropriately named to honor their Norweigen heritage. The complete course is run on an abandoned railroad bed, out & back, starting and finishing on main street. Never having done this race, I figured it would have a small turnout, and with it all being run in the woods, I debated not running with the flag and just using it as a training run. When I shared my thoughts with my wonderful husband, he simply asked, "What exactly are you debating? You should carry the flag...that's what you do." So I did. Good call. One of the most responsive races yet.
I went alone, as Dan was scheduled to take our daughter to a required 4-H event. I felt like wearing my Captain America shirt over my running shirt just to go pick up the packet, & do all that you do before a race. I love what Captain America stands for! He rocks! One guy saw me coming and exclaimed "Captain America! Yeah!" I said, "Isn't he awesome?!" I thought to myself, "just wait 'til I pull out the flag..." I have to admit, I feel there is a little Captain America in my blood ☺
At the start line, which was on main street, I could not locate my friend, Alli. I figured, I'll find her eventually. I unfurled Old Glory just as the Star Spangled Banner was being sung by an ever so sweet & soft voice. I like to start near the back, so I do not flap anyone. There were a few announcements, the whistle blew, and we were off! I had my new Newton shoes on, flag in hand, and I felt good! It was a beautiful 72 degrees, sunny with a slight breeze. A little warm for a 1/2 marathon, but I'll take that over 40 degrees and windy!
Shortly after we got onto the dirt/gravel trail, a man come up next to me, curious as ever. It made for good conversation, and help with a good strong pace. The path took us through a tunnel, so dark, I had to ask the man (who was from this small town) if there were any potholes I should worry about. He said no, that he runs on this trail often. The path was beautiful, with trees on both sides, and even an occasional pond on the side.
I felt great until mile 5...my left foot fell almost completely asleep. WHAT THE HECK?! I had not experienced this one. I figured I had tied my shoe to tight and would have to stop to loosen it. There were volunteer firefighters and police officers at each road crossing to make sure no runners would get hit by cars and to help any runners who get injured. I would have had to ask one of them to hold the flag so I could check things out, but by the time I came to the next road, it was better. So I kept running.
The fore-runners had turned at the half-way point and were headed back. They were cruising to say the least. Yet the lead woman had the energy to cheer and clap for me as she passed. Then the next few runners also cheered and gave a thumbs up...then the next, and the next, and the next...it was crazy! I even heard my name a couple of times, and didn't know these people. There was one I recognized out of the whole bunch. I felt so honored. Then I saw Alli. We came toward each other yelling, and gave a quick hug, THEN she actually turned around again to run with me! What a friend! That whole section of the race was super energizing! I had found a whole boat-load of patriots in this little race!
Eventually, Alli moved ahead and I could feel myself slow down. It was warm. Water seemed sparse. A women came up beside me as said, "I am always amazed when I see people running with the flag." She then told me that her son served in the US Navy and she was going to see him in a couple of weeks and they were set to run the San Diego marathon together. I told her good luck, and to thank her son. She replied, "I do every time I see him." Cool.
Around mile 9, Alli had turned around to shout, "Yea! Go Jean!" She was about 400 yards ahead of me. It gave me a little burst ☺ With 3 miles to go, another women came up beside me to say, "Good job!" I told her the same. She said, "Yeah, but you're carrying a flag!...Amazing!"
Mile 11, looked awfully welcoming. The firefighters & police officers were so very encouraging. They sure liked seeing the flag. One even swiped a picture of me running passed on his cell phone. I try to thank them as I pass, they are the heroes.
I was able to pick up the pace more at mile 12. I could hear faint sounds of sirens and cheers. I knew what that meant...all the water I wanted! We left the trail and returned back onto main street, with about 400 yards to go. Alli was just ahead. People cheering on both sides - man that feels nice! I crossed that glorious finish line and headed straight for the water. The volunteer said we could just dip our cups in the coolers because it's quicker. I asked if I could dip my whole head in it...ha ha.
Then things began to happen that I was not expecting. A woman came up to me and introduced herself. She was one of the ones who had shouted my name at the half-way point. Turns out, she was my husband's, commuting coworker's wife. I had heard much about her because she does very well in races, and finally got to meet her. She said she had recognized me from the article in the paper about my endeavors. Then other runners came up to me, grabbed my wrist, looked me in the eye, and thanked me, truly thanked me...then walked away. This happened a few times. Then a volunteer woman came up to me and just about hugged me. Probably didn't because I was just a little sweaty...and smelly, probably. She and I agreed how so many do not appreciate our freedom and how our freedom is slowly being whittled away. I explained to her that my hope was to find other patriots, and to promote the fact that freedom is worth fighting for. She agreed! We kept talking and kept giving one another goose bumps every time we talked about how blessed we are to be a free people. I told her that my goal was to run in the NY marathon in November, she recited a scripture to me and said she would pray for me. A christian patriot...beautiful!
...And to think I almost didn't carry the flag.
...so thankful I did ☺
Monday, May 21, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Flag Flies Through the U of M
With temperatures in the upper 30's, wind blowing the chairs across the deck...I wasn't really looking forward to running Patriot Run #6 the following day. Goldy's 5K and 10 mile run were to start at 8 am on the campus of the University of Minnesota with a grand finish in the new TCF stadium. You might recall that stadium being the back-up Vikings stadium on Monday Night Football when the Metrodome collapsed in December of 2010 due to 17 inches of snow in one snowfall.
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| Mikala & Zac on 50 yd line |
We woke up to glorious sunshine and 50 degrees! It was as if the heavens had opened and said, "Let today be a good day to run!" This was the 2nd annual race, therefore, there could be many things improved. Overall, it really was a fun race. Packet pick-up was inside the building of the stadium, two floors up. Many people were still in line, waiting to get their number so they could get back downstairs, and outside, stretched and ready to run. The 10 mile began first, with many people still in line, they were allowed to the front of the lines for obvious reasons. As the start of the 5K neared, communication with the runners in line halted. I was not the last one in line. After taking my sweatpants off, proceeding down two flights of escalators, and going outside, I barely had 30 seconds to unfurl the flag and get to the end of a very, very long starting line. The poor flag had not been readied since the last Patriot Run back in October. The top ring was twisted slightly, and I was not able to fix it. The flag still waved on as I began the 3.1 mile journey through the campus of the U of M.
My estimation was at least 1500 people in the 5K, no chip timing, (another thing that might be a great addition for next year), so times were quite irrelevant. It must have taken me at least 3 minutes just to get to the start line, because it was too crowded to run, so I had to walk. When there is that many people, I try hard to respect their space and keep the flag as close to me as I can. With the runners gradually spreading out, I was able to break into a jog, having to keep on the sidewalk or very edge of the street, so I could both pass runners/walkers and steer clear of others getting face flapped. The weather could not have been better; 50+ degrees, sunshine, no wind...it was nice reprieve from the day before.
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| Girls with Goldy |
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| Ava & I on Jumbo-Tron after her race |
As we came to the stadium, we ran around the outside of it first before heading into the tunnel. A man asked if the flag was heavy, I told him, it actually isn't...unless it is windy. Going through the tunnel made me feel pretty important, not sure why, but it did. As we came onto the field, we were also pictured on the jumbo-tron screen which is the 2nd largest in college football. The announcer tried to announce most everyone's name as we crossed the finish line, as most of the names had been printed on the race number. I didn't have a name on my tag, just the flag. He announced "...Let's hear it for the United States Flag, ladies and gentlemen, huh?! There ya go..." Great announces really make you feel good about your accomplishments, right? I found it very fitting that my name wasn't read, but that the flag was announced. Contrary to what some might think, I don't carry the flag for me to be in the spotlight, I carry it for everybody else to cheer and get excited about being a red-blooded American. In years to come, people might remember the flag at a particular race, but not the runner...and that's okay with me!
The Finish Video
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| Mikala playing on the field |
Gearing up for Grandma's 5K & the Full marathon with an added surprise...
~to be continued~
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
I have a new Spring in my Step
What strange weather we have had here in WI...I'll take it! 70's & 80's in March...oh yeah! For someone like me that gets cold so easily, it was so refreshing being able to run outside and not worry about hypothermia. I've seen birds on my runs I don't normally see until May. "Welcome back!" I say, "welcome back!"
The running saga continues. Track season is beginning. Road races are filling. Goals are being set. Shoes are being purchased. There are so many out enjoying these country roads on foot, and on bike for various reasons. Some days it seems so hard to get off the comfy couch, get into running attire, and get outside! But, I feel so much better when I return. I laugh more. I'm not so feisty (as my husband says), and apparently I say yes more (as my children say). They always know if I haven't run yet. If I am a little on the grumpy side, they'll say, "Mom, you should go for a run..." I usually take the hint.
NEW SHOES ☺ It is always fun to get new shoes. My joints always feel better. It seems as there is a fresh spring in my step, and they always look so new and fast! Two of the boys needed shoes as well. One tried a more minimal shoe and the other a more traditional shoe. The one with the minimal shoe has run a few times on the treadmill already. (He is in 6th grade). He can hardly wait to run outside with them for track. We always wear them inside for a while to make sure it is the right fit. My new shoes, however, the ones I have been getting for years, just didn't cut it this year. I have been wearing Nike's since the 7th grade. I ran varsity starting that year in track, and have mentally connected great running with Nike. Switching to another brand is very difficult for me because running for me has always been so much more mental than anything else.
My co-coach had introduced me to the Newton shoe. I had never heard of it. I read an article about the Newton's in the Runner's World magazine, April 2012 issue. Newton shoes are based on the concept of natural running. Makes sense to me. Although, all my life, I have run heel-toe. That's what we were taught back in the 80's. I also love that these shoes are an American based company in Boulder,CO (my birthplace :) That helps the mental aspect of things. So I located a store almost an hour away and made the plunge. So far, I like them. There is a definite spring in my step. I feel I can run farther without being so fatigued. It is recommended that with these shoes, they should be "eased" into, because they do promote a mid-foot strike rather than what I was used to, which is a heel strike. It takes some time for the Achilles tendon and calf muscle to adjust, but in the long run (get it--long run--) it promotes stronger legs, and more efficient running which equals faster times and less injuries. I am all for that! Are the Newton shoes ready for a season of patriot runs? I sure hope so. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a red, white & blue pair just for me ;-). I can't wait to get that flag flying, hear the crowd cheering, and feel patriotism pumping!
www.newtonrunning.com
The running saga continues. Track season is beginning. Road races are filling. Goals are being set. Shoes are being purchased. There are so many out enjoying these country roads on foot, and on bike for various reasons. Some days it seems so hard to get off the comfy couch, get into running attire, and get outside! But, I feel so much better when I return. I laugh more. I'm not so feisty (as my husband says), and apparently I say yes more (as my children say). They always know if I haven't run yet. If I am a little on the grumpy side, they'll say, "Mom, you should go for a run..." I usually take the hint.
NEW SHOES ☺ It is always fun to get new shoes. My joints always feel better. It seems as there is a fresh spring in my step, and they always look so new and fast! Two of the boys needed shoes as well. One tried a more minimal shoe and the other a more traditional shoe. The one with the minimal shoe has run a few times on the treadmill already. (He is in 6th grade). He can hardly wait to run outside with them for track. We always wear them inside for a while to make sure it is the right fit. My new shoes, however, the ones I have been getting for years, just didn't cut it this year. I have been wearing Nike's since the 7th grade. I ran varsity starting that year in track, and have mentally connected great running with Nike. Switching to another brand is very difficult for me because running for me has always been so much more mental than anything else.
My co-coach had introduced me to the Newton shoe. I had never heard of it. I read an article about the Newton's in the Runner's World magazine, April 2012 issue. Newton shoes are based on the concept of natural running. Makes sense to me. Although, all my life, I have run heel-toe. That's what we were taught back in the 80's. I also love that these shoes are an American based company in Boulder,CO (my birthplace :) That helps the mental aspect of things. So I located a store almost an hour away and made the plunge. So far, I like them. There is a definite spring in my step. I feel I can run farther without being so fatigued. It is recommended that with these shoes, they should be "eased" into, because they do promote a mid-foot strike rather than what I was used to, which is a heel strike. It takes some time for the Achilles tendon and calf muscle to adjust, but in the long run (get it--long run--) it promotes stronger legs, and more efficient running which equals faster times and less injuries. I am all for that! Are the Newton shoes ready for a season of patriot runs? I sure hope so. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a red, white & blue pair just for me ;-). I can't wait to get that flag flying, hear the crowd cheering, and feel patriotism pumping!
www.newtonrunning.com
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Colors that Never Fade
After a month or more of healing from the loss of our beloved golden retriever & my back injury, I'm back in the running shoes again! My back feels great & I'm ready to begin the road to Patriot Run #6, Grandma's Marathon. I have to say, as exciting as running Grandma's again will be, trying to stay motivated in Wisconsin during the winter is pretty tough for me. Running on the treadmill gets old fast...I can't wait for spring!
Last month, in my son's grade, a couple of students decided to irritate their teacher by not standing to salute the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance. The teacher decided to use that scenario and assign everyone in the grade to write a paper on why or why not we should salute the flag. Here is the paper my son turned in:
Do I have to salute theU.S. United
States of America
He made me proud to be his mom! Not sure what happened to the students who didn't stand, but I think it made my son think a little more about his freedom. Who knows, maybe there were more.
Last month, in my son's grade, a couple of students decided to irritate their teacher by not standing to salute the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance. The teacher decided to use that scenario and assign everyone in the grade to write a paper on why or why not we should salute the flag. Here is the paper my son turned in:
The Colors that Never Fade
Do I have to salute the
This nation began
as a place where people traveled from across the seas to pursue their dreams;
and to be free. To this day, people
still come for the very same reason.
This country is not free by accident.
Thousands sacrificed time and their very lives to protect what some take
for granted every single day...freedom.
Americans are free to choose how they want to make a living; how they
wish to worship God; where they want to live; how big or small they want their
families; or how they want to voice their opinions.
On the flip side,
that very same freedom that people have died for, also gives citizens the right
to not work, not worship, not marry, and unfortunately, not salute the
flag. What a horrible tragedy that
is! That would be like not
saying, “thank you” to a military personnel for taking that bullet to the head,
or to the POW who was tortured because he or she was loyal to the country that
supports them. A postcard might as well
be sent saying, “Yeah, I really don’t care that you are missing the birth of
your child just so I can choose to live how I want to live.” Being free does give us that choice, but is
it right?
It is the patriots
of this country who understand and appreciate what the U.S.
The flag of the United
States of America America
"Run with the flag, walk with the flag, honor it, respect it, protect it. As long as it keeps waving, we are free!" ~J Bringgold
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Unexpected Stumbling Blocks
I wanted to begin the year with exciting goals. I wanted to focus on each day as a new day to begin a quest that might be new or just a continuation from the day before. I had motivation. I had enthusiasm. I had a purpose. I was ready! I set my goals so high, my husband thinks I am crazy.
But...
I've been dealt a different start to the new year. One I wasn't expecting at all, nor ready for. I had to give up being independent. I had to give up the use of my legs for a time. I had to give up a very dear family member...only to learn lessons I might not otherwise have learned.
~On the 9th of January, I had felt a twinge in my lower back while putting on my boots to go feed my horses. It was enough to have my chiropractor adjust it, and he did. Still tender and vulnerable, the next morning, while trying to lift our dying beloved dog up to stand (because she had not stood for over 24 hours), something shattered in my back, or at least that is what it felt like. I went down, not able to get back up, with one hand on the sliding glass door, and the other on my knee, and in significant pain, I was scared. The pain was so severe, I was shaking and crying uncontrollably. My first thoughts: I can still feel my toes and wiggle them; & What am I supposed to learn from this trial? Thankfully, my 5 year old was home, and was able to get me the phone. After multiple calls to my husband, & friends to no avail, I called my son at the high school. They gathered him up, and sent him home right away. My chiropractor came to my house after calling in a panicked desperation. I finally got a hold of a good friend who dropped everything and came right over. Before they had arrived, I had crawled up onto a chair to use as a walker to gimp into the living room where I again collapsed.
Aside from the childbirth-like pain, my fear, of course, was wondering if I'd ever be able to stand again. This is not a easy thing to even admit, especially when you are a runner. My husband finally made it home with a work vehicle because he had carpooled that day, leaving him with no car. He was my hero that day and the next, getting me from bed to the bathroom and back, or to the living room (on the floor). Putting any pressure on my lower back at all, or basically being upright, was almost unbearable. Lots of ice and ibuprofen helped the inflammation go down so the healing could happen, as well as rest & daily visits to the chiropractor for those first few days.
I was surrounded by angels for the next 2 weeks. Good friends came to not only take care of me, but my family, and our poor dog as well. By now the only thing Peek-a-Boo (our dog) would eat was lunch meat. On January 14th, we had to say good-bye to our dear Peek. We were so grateful for the almost 14 years of companionship and love that wonderful dog offered to our family, but it was one of the hardest days of our lives. It killed me inside to not be able to take care of her those last few days myself, as I had when she was a puppy, and when she had had her two large litters of her own puppies. I hope she now understands how I wanted so much to be lying by her side, but was unable.
Three weeks from the injury, I'm almost back to normal. I've been given the okay to start running soon. So what did I learn from this trial? Many things, I learned. First off, to slow down! It's okay to take a step back and watch for a while, so I know where the heck I am and where I need to go. I learned patience. I had to be patient with myself mostly, to not move too fast when I started feeling better, and patience with not being able to lead the 90 mph life I was leading. I learned how incredible and golden my friends & family are, who stepped up without me having to ask. I can only hope that I am at least half the friend to them as they are to me. I also learned to enjoy every precious moment with those around me. Maybe I wouldn't have otherwise spent time with Peek before she was gone. I learned how to be helped and to be thankful for it, instead of trying to be so independent all the time. Letting others help, blesses not only the ones they are helping but themselves as well. Who am I to deny them those blessings?
Have I given up? No way! Do I still have goals? Heck yes! Will I always be grateful for everything in my life, even the small things?...I sure hope so.
But...
I've been dealt a different start to the new year. One I wasn't expecting at all, nor ready for. I had to give up being independent. I had to give up the use of my legs for a time. I had to give up a very dear family member...only to learn lessons I might not otherwise have learned.
~On the 9th of January, I had felt a twinge in my lower back while putting on my boots to go feed my horses. It was enough to have my chiropractor adjust it, and he did. Still tender and vulnerable, the next morning, while trying to lift our dying beloved dog up to stand (because she had not stood for over 24 hours), something shattered in my back, or at least that is what it felt like. I went down, not able to get back up, with one hand on the sliding glass door, and the other on my knee, and in significant pain, I was scared. The pain was so severe, I was shaking and crying uncontrollably. My first thoughts: I can still feel my toes and wiggle them; & What am I supposed to learn from this trial? Thankfully, my 5 year old was home, and was able to get me the phone. After multiple calls to my husband, & friends to no avail, I called my son at the high school. They gathered him up, and sent him home right away. My chiropractor came to my house after calling in a panicked desperation. I finally got a hold of a good friend who dropped everything and came right over. Before they had arrived, I had crawled up onto a chair to use as a walker to gimp into the living room where I again collapsed.
Aside from the childbirth-like pain, my fear, of course, was wondering if I'd ever be able to stand again. This is not a easy thing to even admit, especially when you are a runner. My husband finally made it home with a work vehicle because he had carpooled that day, leaving him with no car. He was my hero that day and the next, getting me from bed to the bathroom and back, or to the living room (on the floor). Putting any pressure on my lower back at all, or basically being upright, was almost unbearable. Lots of ice and ibuprofen helped the inflammation go down so the healing could happen, as well as rest & daily visits to the chiropractor for those first few days.
I was surrounded by angels for the next 2 weeks. Good friends came to not only take care of me, but my family, and our poor dog as well. By now the only thing Peek-a-Boo (our dog) would eat was lunch meat. On January 14th, we had to say good-bye to our dear Peek. We were so grateful for the almost 14 years of companionship and love that wonderful dog offered to our family, but it was one of the hardest days of our lives. It killed me inside to not be able to take care of her those last few days myself, as I had when she was a puppy, and when she had had her two large litters of her own puppies. I hope she now understands how I wanted so much to be lying by her side, but was unable.
Three weeks from the injury, I'm almost back to normal. I've been given the okay to start running soon. So what did I learn from this trial? Many things, I learned. First off, to slow down! It's okay to take a step back and watch for a while, so I know where the heck I am and where I need to go. I learned patience. I had to be patient with myself mostly, to not move too fast when I started feeling better, and patience with not being able to lead the 90 mph life I was leading. I learned how incredible and golden my friends & family are, who stepped up without me having to ask. I can only hope that I am at least half the friend to them as they are to me. I also learned to enjoy every precious moment with those around me. Maybe I wouldn't have otherwise spent time with Peek before she was gone. I learned how to be helped and to be thankful for it, instead of trying to be so independent all the time. Letting others help, blesses not only the ones they are helping but themselves as well. Who am I to deny them those blessings?
Have I given up? No way! Do I still have goals? Heck yes! Will I always be grateful for everything in my life, even the small things?...I sure hope so.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Strength in Numbers!
It seems as the Christmas season goes by faster and faster every year. This year was no exception...with Christmas preparations, shopping, baking, cleaning, wrapping, visiting, caroling, etc. Throw in a couple of wrestling matches and concerts to attend, the evenings fill up very fast. What would I have done without my friends and family?! I would, however, find time to view the random flash mobs on You-tube, or to see what's happening on Facebook. I even had a dear friend almost leave us due to a heart attack, then sliding into a coma. With my head spinning, trying not to stress, I stepped back to view my life for a moment...as if a third person. This is what I saw...
My 10-year-old daughter wrapping almost every gift for our family; my sons (12 & 14) helping with the baking; my whole family stepped in to clean; my 16-year-old driving the other kids to purchase gifts; caroling with my 10-year-old and her 4-H group at an Elderly Home; my 14-year-old helping me put lights up on the rooftop; my 5-year-old helping to assemble the Christmas cards...
At the wrestling matches, crowds came to cheer on each wrestler to victory or lift up in defeat; at the concerts (not a seat left open) all ears were wide open waiting for the next song or note played, with frantic cheering for more...
Ever seen a flash mob? If not live, I recommend view them on You-tube. It starts off as one person singing or playing an instrument in a busy crowd of individuals doing their own thing. It ends with a very large number of incredibly talented performers, using a public venue as their stage and all those individuals become one audience covered in goosebumps...all focused on the same thing.
The many prayers that were said for my friend to be healed were answered...a miracle. I know one faithful prayer is powerful, imagine hundreds of them, or even thousands, or more. God is listening. He is waiting to hear from me and everyone else. Keep the faith, and stay in touch with Him. That's what I tell myself everyday.
What does all this have to do with Patriot Running? Everything I saw, involved more than one person. The more people there were, the more effective the outcome..the quicker gifts were wrapped, the more powerful the songs were, the louder the cheers were, etc. I witnessed how there truly are strength in numbers. If every patriot in this country stood up for its freedom and all that it has to offer, 2012 could be a powerful year. When we all have the same focus, the same goal, the same purpose (setting aside our differences)...we are one. I truly believe that there are strength in numbers. May God Bless America!
My 10-year-old daughter wrapping almost every gift for our family; my sons (12 & 14) helping with the baking; my whole family stepped in to clean; my 16-year-old driving the other kids to purchase gifts; caroling with my 10-year-old and her 4-H group at an Elderly Home; my 14-year-old helping me put lights up on the rooftop; my 5-year-old helping to assemble the Christmas cards...
At the wrestling matches, crowds came to cheer on each wrestler to victory or lift up in defeat; at the concerts (not a seat left open) all ears were wide open waiting for the next song or note played, with frantic cheering for more...
Ever seen a flash mob? If not live, I recommend view them on You-tube. It starts off as one person singing or playing an instrument in a busy crowd of individuals doing their own thing. It ends with a very large number of incredibly talented performers, using a public venue as their stage and all those individuals become one audience covered in goosebumps...all focused on the same thing.
The many prayers that were said for my friend to be healed were answered...a miracle. I know one faithful prayer is powerful, imagine hundreds of them, or even thousands, or more. God is listening. He is waiting to hear from me and everyone else. Keep the faith, and stay in touch with Him. That's what I tell myself everyday.
What does all this have to do with Patriot Running? Everything I saw, involved more than one person. The more people there were, the more effective the outcome..the quicker gifts were wrapped, the more powerful the songs were, the louder the cheers were, etc. I witnessed how there truly are strength in numbers. If every patriot in this country stood up for its freedom and all that it has to offer, 2012 could be a powerful year. When we all have the same focus, the same goal, the same purpose (setting aside our differences)...we are one. I truly believe that there are strength in numbers. May God Bless America!
Friday, November 11, 2011
A Day to Remember 11-11-11
"World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of 'the war to end all wars'.”
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word 'Armistice' and inserting in its place the word 'Veterans.' On June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars."
-US Department of Veteran's Affairs website
Every year, our elementary & middle school invites veteran's from the area to come and be honored. The program started by presenting the colors which was done by the Girl Scout troops followed by the audience joining in the Pledge of Allegiance. What happened after the welcome really impressed me. The gym was filled with elementary children K-4th grade, about 20 veterans, teachers, family & friends. All stood and sang "The National Anthem". Those kids blew me away! They knew every word and sang with pride and confidence!
Each serviceman & woman had the opportunity to stand up, say their name, which brand of service, and where & when they have served. Many of them thanked the kids for honoring them. One particular vet pointed out to the children that the war these men & women have seen is not like the ones seen in video games. "War is not just battles," he said, "it is so much more than that. The troops help other countries as well as protecting our own. There is a lot of good going on, not just shooting." A point well made, I thought. Another vet, my stepfather, got up to introduce himself. On a side note, he had been called by my daughter an hour before the program started, and was able to make it there in time. She so desperately wanted him to come. I never know what he is going to say. He is one the best spontaneous speakers I know. He went on by saying, "There is a young lady here, who has five children and has been walking the halls of this school for many years. She now runs marathons with a 3 x 5 American flag in honor of those who serve and protect our freedom." That was it, then he sat down. I wasn't ready for that. The woman behind me handed me a tissue just in time.
We sang patriotic songs, had a moment of silence, (I never thought a gym could be that quiet with that many children in it) and the colors were retired.
Later, it was the middle school's turn to invite the veterans to be honored. It was a packed house, filled with students, grades 5th-8th, teachers, family & friends of about 60 veterans. The band played, the choir sang, the Pledge was said, and "America, the Beautiful" was sung by a beautiful angelic voice of a 7th grade girl. All branches of the military were honored with song. Each man & woman stood when their branch song was played. There were WWII vets, Vietnam vets, Korean war vets, Desert Storm & Iraqi Freedom vets.
A sergeant spoke about his tours and experiences in the Army. He will again leave his family and be deployed for another year very soon. He wanted everyone to know how grateful he was to be honored like this, but to also not to forget the families. He said, "When you thank a vet, be sure to thank their wives/husbands, children & other family members as well. It is harder on the families who stay behind than the serviceman/woman who are actually deployed."
Another service woman stood and thanked everyone for coming. She said emotionally, "You don't know how this makes all of us feel when we get honored." We were reminded that Vietnam vets were not honored in the way we honor vets today. Isn't is wonderful how all are honored now! Even though, I think they could be honored even more...is it ever enough to thank the one who sacrifices to keep you free?
Members of the 8th grade class made the most poignant gesture. One brought a small table and set it next to the podium. Another draped a white table cloth over it. The next put on a vase with one red rose. The next put on a single candle with a black bow. Then a plate was placed with a lemon, and salt sprinkled on top, representing the tears that have been shed. The glass was placed upside down, showing that there will never be anyone drinking from it. The last item placed was an empty chair. Every item had meaning. The table had been set for the soldier who will never return, the soldier who has given their life for their country and our freedom. It was a table for the MIA's and the POW's. A moment of silence followed, and silent it was.
As we left, we had the opportunity to thank each veteran as they lined up in a receiving line. I was so ecstatic to be able to personally thank each one.
I was so proud of our school and how they took the time to set up such wonderful programs to honor these heroes. It was a good day to be a Patriot.
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word 'Armistice' and inserting in its place the word 'Veterans.' On June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars."
-US Department of Veteran's Affairs website
Every year, our elementary & middle school invites veteran's from the area to come and be honored. The program started by presenting the colors which was done by the Girl Scout troops followed by the audience joining in the Pledge of Allegiance. What happened after the welcome really impressed me. The gym was filled with elementary children K-4th grade, about 20 veterans, teachers, family & friends. All stood and sang "The National Anthem". Those kids blew me away! They knew every word and sang with pride and confidence!
Each serviceman & woman had the opportunity to stand up, say their name, which brand of service, and where & when they have served. Many of them thanked the kids for honoring them. One particular vet pointed out to the children that the war these men & women have seen is not like the ones seen in video games. "War is not just battles," he said, "it is so much more than that. The troops help other countries as well as protecting our own. There is a lot of good going on, not just shooting." A point well made, I thought. Another vet, my stepfather, got up to introduce himself. On a side note, he had been called by my daughter an hour before the program started, and was able to make it there in time. She so desperately wanted him to come. I never know what he is going to say. He is one the best spontaneous speakers I know. He went on by saying, "There is a young lady here, who has five children and has been walking the halls of this school for many years. She now runs marathons with a 3 x 5 American flag in honor of those who serve and protect our freedom." That was it, then he sat down. I wasn't ready for that. The woman behind me handed me a tissue just in time.
We sang patriotic songs, had a moment of silence, (I never thought a gym could be that quiet with that many children in it) and the colors were retired.
Later, it was the middle school's turn to invite the veterans to be honored. It was a packed house, filled with students, grades 5th-8th, teachers, family & friends of about 60 veterans. The band played, the choir sang, the Pledge was said, and "America, the Beautiful" was sung by a beautiful angelic voice of a 7th grade girl. All branches of the military were honored with song. Each man & woman stood when their branch song was played. There were WWII vets, Vietnam vets, Korean war vets, Desert Storm & Iraqi Freedom vets.
A sergeant spoke about his tours and experiences in the Army. He will again leave his family and be deployed for another year very soon. He wanted everyone to know how grateful he was to be honored like this, but to also not to forget the families. He said, "When you thank a vet, be sure to thank their wives/husbands, children & other family members as well. It is harder on the families who stay behind than the serviceman/woman who are actually deployed."
Another service woman stood and thanked everyone for coming. She said emotionally, "You don't know how this makes all of us feel when we get honored." We were reminded that Vietnam vets were not honored in the way we honor vets today. Isn't is wonderful how all are honored now! Even though, I think they could be honored even more...is it ever enough to thank the one who sacrifices to keep you free?
Members of the 8th grade class made the most poignant gesture. One brought a small table and set it next to the podium. Another draped a white table cloth over it. The next put on a vase with one red rose. The next put on a single candle with a black bow. Then a plate was placed with a lemon, and salt sprinkled on top, representing the tears that have been shed. The glass was placed upside down, showing that there will never be anyone drinking from it. The last item placed was an empty chair. Every item had meaning. The table had been set for the soldier who will never return, the soldier who has given their life for their country and our freedom. It was a table for the MIA's and the POW's. A moment of silence followed, and silent it was.
As we left, we had the opportunity to thank each veteran as they lined up in a receiving line. I was so ecstatic to be able to personally thank each one.
I was so proud of our school and how they took the time to set up such wonderful programs to honor these heroes. It was a good day to be a Patriot.
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