If you scrolled through Facebook today you have seen numerous beautiful tributes to those who serve, and have served, our country. I added my own tribute, to our son and my father-in-law, then thought about how many others in my family and extended family have served this country through generations. This sent me on a hunt through a couple of photo albums, and an email to my sister, as I decided I wanted to reflect on a deeper level than a quick Facebook post.
Our son made the decision to join the Marine Corps after much soul searching. It was a wonderful decision, and he grew exponentially as he completed 4 years of active duty service, then 4 years inactive. One of the proudest moments in our life was attending his graduation ceremony in San Diego. Whether in formal uniform, or work fatigues, he gave his all to serve our country. Thank you, son!
My own father wanted to attend Annapolis, and become a naval officer. But he was deaf in one ear and didn't pass he physical. He would have served proudly in the Korean War. I know he regretted the lost opportunity to serve his country.
Then there are the brothers and nephews and great-nephews who have served.
Daryl's brother, Anthony R. Koch, served in the Navy, part of that time as a Naval photographer.
Pictured below is Tamara, Daryl's niece. Her husband, Jamie Lindsay, served in the Navy, and their son John is currently serving in the Army.
And there are those unlabeled photographs in albums or boxes, ancestors who served in early battles and helped form our country. We most certainly must honor them.
As families send their loved ones off to whatever that "service" looks like, we need to also honor those families. It is not easy to watch someone walk off into the unknown. The day that Marine came to the door to pick up my son for the start of his training was heartbreaking, full of tears and great swells of pride. Though I worried about the outcome of this decision, I knew he was doing what he needed to do, a job that had meaning and purpose.
Thank you. Thank you to those in the service, and those at home. We thank all these people not just on this day, but on every day. For without their service, we would not have the freedoms we do today. And if you watch the news, you know we have many.
Our son made the decision to join the Marine Corps after much soul searching. It was a wonderful decision, and he grew exponentially as he completed 4 years of active duty service, then 4 years inactive. One of the proudest moments in our life was attending his graduation ceremony in San Diego. Whether in formal uniform, or work fatigues, he gave his all to serve our country. Thank you, son!
Daryl's dad, Anthony Koch, served in the Army the last 18 months of WWII, drafted at the age of 36 with 3 young children at home. He never talked about that walk across Europe, but his map, colored in as the troops advanced, speaks volumes. As do other items of memorabilia brought home from those life-changing months.
Then there are the brothers and nephews and great-nephews who have served.
Daryl's brother, Anthony R. Koch, served in the Navy, part of that time as a Naval photographer.
My brother-in-law, Brian Korb, served in the Air Force, and his son, Justin, in the army.
Pictured below is Tamara, Daryl's niece. Her husband, Jamie Lindsay, served in the Navy, and their son John is currently serving in the Army.
As families send their loved ones off to whatever that "service" looks like, we need to also honor those families. It is not easy to watch someone walk off into the unknown. The day that Marine came to the door to pick up my son for the start of his training was heartbreaking, full of tears and great swells of pride. Though I worried about the outcome of this decision, I knew he was doing what he needed to do, a job that had meaning and purpose.
Thank you. Thank you to those in the service, and those at home. We thank all these people not just on this day, but on every day. For without their service, we would not have the freedoms we do today. And if you watch the news, you know we have many.
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