A Marine Mother's Perspective and Gratitude....

Post 9: Ten Gratitude Posts - courtesy of Debbie Reynolds

Remember Me

By Lizzy Palmer

Remember Me from Rick & Sheri Sperry on Vimeo.

A Marine Mother's Perspective

My children were born during peacetime in the 1970's, and I never thought one of them would say that he wanted to join the military. But one did!

I Thought It Was A Phase

My son Ryan, spent a year out of high school studying every aspect of the service and decided to join the Marines. 

A Young Boy Leaves And Returns A Marine

I was not prepared for my son to leave for a 13 week boot camp that did not allow us any contact with him. Other than him going overseas, this was the most excruciating time a parent must endure. 

The Middle East Before 9/11/2001

Ryan become part of the elite Marine Security Guard and went overseas to protect the Bahrain School in the Middle East.  At the time, Bahrain was considered the third highest world wide threat to our troops.... Iran was visible across the Persian Gulf. 

Attack of the USS Cole

While Ryan was in Bahrain, the USS Cole was bombed and he volunteered to guard it. He was on duty and was turned down. Marines were pulled from Bahrain because it was the closest point to the terrorist attack in Aden Yemen.

You Lose A Piece Of Your Heart

When your children go overseas to protect the interests of our nation, a piece of your heart goes with them. Every night and every morning you pray for their safe return. As a mother, you are helpless to protect them. You put their safety in your country's hands. There was no Skype or Face-time to communicate with him. After securing leave at Thanksgiving in 2000, his Papa passed away on the day he was to return to duty. It took some doing, but he was able to get emergency leave to attend the funeral. We were so happy and full of gratitude that he could be here for this somber occasion. Ryan had a special militar bond with his Papa.

Enduring Gratitude...

So I have a deep understanding of what it is like to be a military mother.  I know what these families feel when their loved ones serve our country at great risk.  My gratitude for our military is unending. Thank you for being the Heroes you are. 

A Tribute To Honor Our Veterans and Military

We Are All Connected!

I would think that everyone in our country is connected to our military and veterans in one way or another. Many of us have relatives who serve or have served. These veterans may have fought in wars as well as served in peacetime. But all of them served our country knowing they could give the ultimate sacrifice protecting us...and many have.

Baby Boomers

As a "baby Boomer", our fathers and mothers came back from WWII and the Korean War and settled down to have families. About 3.5 to 4 million babies were born every year from 1946 to 1964 before the "boom" tapered off. This was 20% more babies born than 1945!  It stands to reason that a good percentage of our parents had served in the military! Both Rick's father and my father, and our 8 uncles and others of my age had family who served in WWII and the Korean War. One of my uncles was a Japanese POW. Rick's father was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism in battle, recapturing an American machine gun nest that had fallen into German hands.

Vietnam

Most older "Boomers" either served in Vietnam or know people who did. Many of us heard the horror stories first hand of what happened in Nam and also know how the veterans were treated upon their return to the states. 

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Visit Rick's World Sedona -

Veterans & Military Commemoration

On this web page, see the video of Kate Smith singing "God Bless America" for the 1st time on Armistice Day November 10th, 1938. 

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  "Remember Me" (top of this post) - Warning! Have tissues ready!

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Gene Simmons presenting a rendition of all the Armed Forces Fight Songs

at a USO performance in Iraq. 

Please also visit these other blogs commemorating Veteran's Day

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We are ALL thankful for Veterans - Sally K. and David L. Hanson 

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Veterans Day Parade and Festival - Joan Cox 

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2018 Annual Veterans Day Military Review in Carlsbad - Jeff Dowler  

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Veterans & The Poppy - Doug Dawes 

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Thankful for Free Meals on Veterans Day Sunday, and on Monday! - Fred Griffin 

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Tell a Veteran Thank You - Debbie Reynolds 

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Reflections On Veteran's Day And The 100th Anniversary Of Armistice Day - Nina Hollander  

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2018 Veterans Day Dallas Parage And Celebrations - Grateful For Our Veterans - Lisa Von Domek 

 I am Thankful for Veterans Day- Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor® 

(Read about 2 family Medal of Honor receipients!) 

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Thankful For My Parents - Carol Williams 

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Thankful For Those Who Served! - Myrl Jeffcoat  

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Veteran's Day 2018, A Day To Honor Our Veterans - George Souto

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