Veteran's Day - A different perspective

*** This is a disclaimer that it's possible that the following post came out wrong, or heartless. So, if what I said can be taken two ways, and one of those ways made you angry, sad, hurt, or upset.... I meant the other one. Thanks.

I always think back to where I was when Sgt. was deployed.  I remember how worried I become and how any hint as to what he was doing or where he was could bring comfort.

It seems as though there is a very fine line between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

It's been a little over two years since Sgt. was deployed and we've been able to enjoy a lot of time spent together in our in-between Army world.  Green to Gold was such a blessing for us both and I am still in awe of how much we've overcome and conquered since we met 4 years ago.

My husband is a Veteran. He is incredibly stressed out about school, he likes to match his shoes to his belt (thank the lord), he can cook a mean steak, and he's a Veteran.  We've fought and laughed and gone on trips and shared heartache. We have LIVED.  And we can do that, because he's a Veteran. A person who has been to war, and came back. Did you catch that last part?  He came back.  He's a Veteran who's still here!  How amazing is that?

You see... I think a lot of people have Veteran's day wrong.  Sure, it's a day for respect, gratitude, and acknowledgement, but it should also be a day to CELEBRATE.  You should celebrate for those who are able to tell their story. 

Yes every person who has served in our Armed Forces is a Veteran, there is no doubt about it, past, present, and future.  However, there is a special and solemn honor for those who have fought and died as Veterans. It's Memorial Day.  Please understand that I'm not saying that fallen or passed on Veterans deserve any less thanks and appreciation on Veterans Day than anyone else... I am just saying that today, on November the 11th, we get to honor those who are still here. 

The fact that I woke up this morning and told my husband "Happy Veteran's Day,"  means I don't weep over a grave on Memorial day.  I can't imagine what it would be like to be on the other side of that fine line.

I have the privilege to be a part of this special club that is our interconnected little family we've made out of military spouses, friends, and family.  I have met some of the most amazing people over my last 4 years in the "Club." I've heard amazing stories, laughed, cried, made friends, and felt a little more at ease knowing that no matter where my Soldier was, I wasn't alone... atleast, you don't have to be anyway. 

So, I hope that for those of you in the club too, that you celebrate today.  Celebrate that Veterans Day is your day and that Memorial Day is not. 

And, like I said, if this made you mad then maybe you'd prefer the other post I usually make about Veterans Day HERE

Happy Veterans Day!