I live near a miltary base. Beale AFB to be exact, in Yuba County, California. Each year on Veteran's Day we hold a parade in our small town of Marysville, CA. The parade doesn't have vendor booths, there is no charge to enter the parade, and I don't believe there are any awards for the participants. The parade is filled with our local military personnel, local service clubs, local leaders, and local families, all paying tribute to those who have served our country over the years. The usual "Grand Marshall", is a man who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. Last year was the first time I have attended. The parade is a half-block from my real estate office, and I took my husband and children on a day we would normally be closed, and I opened my doors and talked to my friends, my neighbors, and our local military members. That parade is one I won't forget.
I remember the two little girls, probably around 5 or 6, who were holding a sign that said, "Bless our Daddy". I spoke to the mother and she said her husband was deployed. She had come with her girls to the parade to honor her husband, and all those he serves with. I admit I got a little emotional as I spoke with this woman. How could I not? She was there with her children, her husband far away risking his life for his country, and she was smiling, happy, and grateful for the honor that was being paid for what he was doing.
I watched the units of Army and Air Force members marching down the street at strict attention. I listened to our local school bands as they marched along. I saw the volunteers on horseback, part of our local Sheriff's Posse. There were nearly 7000 people there watching the parade, standing at attention as the flags went by, cheering for those who serve and sacrifice. My personal favorite, the members of the U-2 squadron were on a float of their own. You see, my best friend's husband was a U-2 pilot. He too was stationed at Beale AFB. I will never forget the day he came home from work grinning from ear to ear. He walked through the door and practically shouted, "I can't believe they pay me to do this! I love this job!". That is what I think of when I think of those who serve. They do it because they love this country. Yes, the risks are high, the pay can be low, and they sacrifice much, sometimes their very lives. As the scriptures say, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). I am so grateful, especially on Veteran's Day, for those who loved this country, and me, enough to give their very lives. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!
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