Memorial Day 2008

As we watched the Memorial Day parade and attended the ceremony honoring veterans at Graceland Cemetary today, many thoughts came floating by.

I was a bystander during the VietNam War. As a student at UW-Madison in the late 60's I was keenly aware of the activities of the anti-war protesters and the establishment. I told myself I was there for an education(as did my parents). So I would walk emotionless past the National Guard members when they stood on bascom Hill protecting the University and I would run the other way when a demostration developed and tear gas started flying.

This war has been different for me. Today I proudly wore my Operation Iraq Freedom-Mom pin. My son has been deployed to Iraq 3 times since the war began. I've watched him go, sat on pins and needles while he was there, and welcomed him home with great gusto each time he returned.

I have shared hugs, tears and laughs with other moms whose sons were also deployed. I have sent care packages, e-mails, phone cards and said alot of prayers.

This year I feel very blessed knowing our son is back in the United States-still in uniform-but safe. I am very mindful of all the young men and women who continue to be in harms way and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. On this Memorial Day 2008, I say a huge THANK-YOU to veterans of all the wars and thank-you to family,friends and co-workers who have supported my son and his mom through-out this war.