I cannot tell you how special this event is to our family. We always feel so blessed when we go to this event. The community really goes to a lot of effort to show the veterans how special they are to us. From the performance...to the recognition of EVERY individual present...to the playing of Taps...and the special lunch provided to all who attend...there is nothing better!
We found ourselves sitting in front of a dear woman who served in the Signal Corps during World War II. While we waited for the program to begin, she told us all about leaving her home in Montana to join in the war efforts. She met her husband (who was a "Southern boy") and moved to Texas. She said it was harder to be respected in the South as a woman...she had a hard time finding work that suited her at first but slowly she found jobs where she could be respected. She worked as the manager of a fabrics store and later as a pipe inspector. And many other interesting jobs in between, as well as be the wife to her husband and mother to two children! She was such a joy to talk to and we were blessed to have our picture taken with her as well.
During the program we saw many performances...the Highsteppers...individual singers...recognition of the veterans who attended the school and the community...a special veteran remembrance...and more! I was especially touched by the story of the local man who joined the military at the age of 16 years old (he lied about his age!) and served with pride in spite of the many hardships that he faced. I was touched by the words "When you attacked America you attacked ALL of America...and all worked to make things right." I just wonder how our country feels about that now. It seems that most people go through their day and might not even think about the soldiers who are risking their lives. What happened to the time when our country sacrificed to help the military at all costs? I think that there are many who understand but there more who take for granted the efforts of our military. 
We then went to lunch with the Veterans. We usually sit off to the side of the room but chose to sit among the veterans today. We spoke with one Vietnam veteran who was so happy to talk to Zaira. He even gave her his American flag pin for her to remember him. I told him we would not forget him and pray for him and his wife.
The boys each went around and thanked as many of the men and women as they could before leaving. Then as we were walking out a nice couple wanted to see the baby. It turned out to be the man who shard his story during the celebration! We were able to talk to him and his wife and even got another picture with them!
We were so blessed by this experience and it carried throughout the day our love for God and country!
We headed out for our Monday afternoon routine for Sean's speech session. Then we raced back the other direction in time to spend time with another group of special people...the residents at a local nursing home. To read more about this blessing read my other blog.
We got home in time for dinner and then watched a movie. Normally we would not watch a movie on a school night but this one was a special treat. It was called "Time Changer" and was about a man from 1890 who wrote a book stating morals could be taught without mentioning Jesus! Another professor told him, "Satan is not opposed to good morals, only to salvation through Jesus Christ!" He was then sent into time to today's world. After three days he changes his mind. It was very good!
A great way to end the already awesome day! Special blessings to all the Veterans, especially our own personal veteran working hard to protect this country! We love you, Michael!
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