Veterans Day – Gotham City (think very rural, small town in the heartland of our country)

Our town’s main streets are lined with American Flags – the crisp red, white and blue, waving in the breeze on a crisp fall day.    The  occasional wind gust snapping them to attention.

Our kids knew today was Veteran’s day.  They know that Momma and Daddy think that the veteran’s are very special people.  They know we have some extra special ones (Grandpa R, Grandpa M, Momma’s Daddy, & my’s Cousin H).  I’m sure school’s across America had their assemblies, and our school district is no different – even the little ones attend.

Tink’s class had a few special visitors, and she was surprised by it.  She knew Molly’s Daddy was a soldier, because when he came back from Iraq last year, he surprised Molly by showing up at school.    She didn’t know about K’s Momma.    Today, M’s Daddy and K’s Momma were classroom guests.

Tink:  Momma, K’s Mommy is a veteran

FG:  mmm uh-huh.

Tink:  She had pictures, and showed them to us, she was where it was brown and dusty*.   She was really brave too, wasn’t she?  Will she have to go back? Like M’s Daddy?

FG:  I don’t think so, she’s been out for a few years.  M’s Daddy just signed up for a few more years – (reserves), so he may go overseas again.

Tink:  oh – suddenly very sad- M will miss her Daddy, she’ll be sad again.

FG:  Yes, I’m sure she will.

Tink:  But he goes so we can be free?

FG:  Yes, he goes to protect our freedoms, and to help other people.

Tink:  He goes even though M will be sad?  And he will miss her, but he goes anyway?

FG:  Yes, …. but before I can explain she cuts me off.

Tink:  But that’s what soldiers do, isn’t it?

FG:  Yep. it’s what they do.
I think, Tink just might be starting to get it….
*K’s mommy served during Desert Storm in the 90’s.