The life of a Soldier—Our Protectors
Being away from family and friends is lonely especially around holidays. When serving in active duty, there is an added fear for mortal safety. There exists a very real possibility a soldier will not return home. It’s not a life for the faint at heart. Soldiers sacrifice their time, their talents, and sometimes their lives without getting so much as a thank you from their countrymen. Let’s change that this year and moving forward.
“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
What can you do?
If you know of a soldier away from their home, send a postcard, or grab an extra candy bar of box of their favorite comfort food and put together a small package. Throw in a magazine or a book they’ll like. Literally anything they like would be welcome. People just want to be remembered. If you’re not sure where to send it to, take it to their family, they’ll know.
Those Left Behind By the Soldier
Our nation’s protectors—our soldiers—embody more than themselves. When a soldier leaves for battle or service, they leave behind families, mother’s fathers, wives, husbands, sons, daughters, and siblings. Empty plates at holiday tables are not just heartache and worry for some families but a burden. Spouses with partners away become single parents. Check in with them and find out what they need. Our soldier’s spouses get no breaks, a letter of support and help with dealing with the difficulties of finances, parenting, and life, and certainly no weekends off. Don’t forget them.
Those Who Have Returned
Unfortunately, the sacrifice our soldiers make is not just the time away and life. Soldiers witness and live things that change life forever. Often, the most comfort comes from those brothers and sisters who understand the horror, the pain, and nightmares that forever shadow them through life. We must not forget those who have paid terrible prices for us. Call, stop by and visit. Send a post card let them know they’re not forgotten even though they’re physically home. Sometimes it takes years to fully return home. Drop some treats off. Accompany them to a doctor’s appointment (at least in the car during Covid). Talk about normal life. Listen if they want to talk. Play a game. There are so many ways to do more than thanks.
If you’re not acquainted with a Soldier
What can you do if you don’t know any soldiers personally? As a former educator, kids always need practice writing. Speak to your local school and have a class adopt a platoon. Have them write stories, fiction, inspirational, whatever. They will be welcomed. Another way to help is to honor those soldiers fallen or the families of them. Go to the gravesite and add a little holiday spirt or help clean up fallen soldiers place or rest. If you love animals, try fostering pets for those who are deployed. For more ways to support check this website out, https://www.military.com/memorial-day/support-troops-and-families.html.
“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.”
~ Jeff Miller
