Song: Still a Soldier
By: Trace Adkins
Start song at (1)
To all the veterans, past, present, and future, Thank you for all you have done in your service! Your Bravery, Sacrifice, and Strength are so vary precious! Thank you for all you do!
After the hugs were given, everyone settled back into their seats and hot cups of coffee and cocoa were passed around till the warm drinks were being sipped contentedly by every family member. It didn't take long for the little ones to meander over to the main group again.
"I want to hear story too!" One said, and every little head was nodding in agreement.
"I think that can be arranged." Rob said. Silently he told the others, with his eyes, we'll keep the stories kid friendly for a while. The agreement was unanimous.
"Well then," Jack said. "In honor of all of us veterans and vet families, I'll go next." Eyes once again on him Jack began. "Who knows what 'veteran' means?"
The older Bennett's knew Jack was asking the little ones this, so they waited as a few tentative hands were raised.
"Sophie?"
"Someone who is really good at something?" Sophie tried.
"That's part of it." Jack nodded. "Jim?"
"Adult who knows a lot about his work." The boy tried next.
"Another piece of the puzzle, but there's more to it. Timmy?"
"My dad!" Timmy said with pride.
"He is a veteran! You're right; can you tell me more about him being a veteran?" Jack prodded.
Timmy thought hard. "He celebrated in November on veterans day."
"Also true."
This went on for about six more answers, and then Jack said: "all good answers and all are correct. You each know about a piece of the puzzle. The full answer is; 'a veteran is a person who has experience in a field, or job/activity, whom is either retired or has done in a long, long time. Veteran also stands for the men and women who have served in the military'. The reason that it's important you know this is because military veterans have and still do serve to keep you all safe."
"Like you Uncle Jack?" Sophie asked.
Blushing a little Jack replied "Like me, and all of the people who were talking over here a little bit ago. But their service doesn't stop when the metals are pinned on their uniforms. (1) They go about everyday lives, cutting grass, taking care of their families and friends. They watch games, drink with their pals, and are like every other Joe on the block. And at the same time when the anthem plays they stand up and nothing will ever change who they are. The work, in a way, may be done for them but they're still soldiers! When they hear about the battles on TV or the radio they feel the need and wish to help. If called upon to do so they would be on the next plane to where they were needed. It doesn't matter how far or how long they are away from it they still feel and honor their duty."
The veterans all nodded in complete agreement to Jack's statements as they continued to listen, Jack described more and more about what they went through and what they still were going through. "When thunder rolls it reminds them of their battles but no fear will be enough to stop what they are. That is why we have Veterans Day. But we also need to honor our vets, family or stranger, every day. They are our soldiers! They fight for us!"
The little ones nodded, and then Timmy and Jim got up and walked to their Veteran parents. "Thank you!" They said. Then they looked at the other adults and set it again, "thank you!"
Those two simple words caused tears to flow and happiness to blossom in every eye and heart of every vet.