Today I am reminded of an elderly man that I helped take care of in his later years of life. One thing that he loved to do was tell my sisters and I old war stories. We would often end up wondering into a spare room where he would show us the Purple Heart that was awarded. It was a few days after the initial landing of D-Day when he landed at the beaches on the coast of France. He was moving across the beaches and was hit by a piece of shrapnel. The shrapnel was embedded into his arm. There were many more war stories that he would tell us. One of the coolest things that he would show us was his uniform. It was something that I can still see clear as day in my mind.
After attending VA Girls State this past summer, I have a whole new appreciation for our veterans. There is one experience that often pops into my mind. The POW/MIA ceremony. It was one of the more emotional, intimate, special moments of the whole week. I can still hear my fellow Pocahontas citizen singing "Blowing in the Wind," and it was the most beautiful version I have ever heard in my life. Thinking about it still sends chills down my spine and tears to my eyes.
As I reflect on all the conflicts past and present, I am thankful for everyone that serves in our armed forces. There is a good amount of my high school that goes on to serve in the armed forces, and to them I am especially thankful.
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