Friday, November 11, 2016

A CHANCE TO HONOR AMERICA'S VETERANS by Margo Hoornstra

 
 
It’s that time again, November 11th - Veterans Day. The day we, as Americans, make it a point to pause and honor our fellow citizens who serve in our military, past, present and even future. Those who enter harm’s way so we at home never will.

As is our custom, please join me in a moment of silence for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to defend and preserve our freedom.

 




 
Thank you.
Now, before you go to get on with the freedoms of your life made possible by these brave heroes and heroines, bear with me for a few minutes more. There’s a message in this, somewhere.
Last week-end we took our granddaughter to one of those places where kids love to go to play games and collect tickets for prizes. Not exactly my first choice of how to spend a Saturday afternoon, but then I’m not six.
The place was absolutely packed, think a carnival midway on steroids. Lights flashed, machines boinked, dinged and whirred, train, merry go round and rocket ship rides in continual twisting and  turning motions, with kids running in and around it all. Playing together, cooperating together, having a great time together.
One thing I noticed as I trailed my little charge around was the diversity of the group. Every ethnicity was represented. Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, Asian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and any possible combination.

Then another thought struck. An epiphany if you will. All of these different and diverse kids were having fun. Playing together, cooperating together, having a great time together.
Those ethnic labels I mentioned are distinctions we adults make, not our children. To them it’s someone their age, with similar interests to enjoy some time with. Period.

We should all be so lucky.
Happy Veterans Day, Everyone.
My days to blog here are the 11th and 23rd. For more about me and my stories, please visit my WEBSITE

 

 

26 comments:

Diane Burton said...

Great post, Margo! Kids don't pay attention to things like color, race, ethnicity, religion. There's a line from a song in South Pacific that emphasizes this thought--they have to be carefully taught. How I wish we could unteach some adults.

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

Lovely Post!
Thanks for sharing and THANK YOU to all the Veterans!
Good luck and God's blessings
PamT

Brenda Whiteside said...

So true. If we could only keep that part of a child's mentality.

Andrea Downing said...

Diane stole my comment so to speak. I,too, was immediately thinking of the song from South Pacific. Children are taught to hate and I fear things don't be getting better any time soon

Rolynn Anderson said...

And our soldiers are multi-ethnic and a variety of gender representations. We play together and we defend out country together...a good lesson for us all to absorb. Thanks for the story, Margo.

Susan Coryell said...

Diversity and the freedom to honor every individual regardless of race, religion, gender or political affiliation is a unique American value we must all uphold on this day of recognition. We must support those who have fought and will continue to do so to maintain these freedoms both during and after their service. Our freedom and our future depend on it.

Margo Hoornstra said...

Thanks, Diane. It's so ironic how we aren't born with prejudices, they have to be learned. I remember that song from South Pacific!

Margo Hoornstra said...

So, true, Pam. The heroic actions of our veterans, on our behalf, never cease to amaze me.

Margo Hoornstra said...

Absolutely, Brenda. We can try.

Margo Hoornstra said...

Positive thoughts, Andi, positive thoughts. I'm actually quite optimistic about our future.

Margo Hoornstra said...

Very true, Rolynn. Can't distinguish much under all that uniform. Which is a good thing!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Exactly, Susan, exactly. Well said.

Jannine Gallant said...

Bigotry is learned not innate. Which means racism has to be taught...and that makes my heart hurt. I thank our veterans for their service.

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

I agree with Jannine. Adults teach this bunk to children. I still recall how it was taught to me and I wondered why we sang the songs we did in Sunday School. How could Jesus love all the children, no matter their color, if my mother didn't or wouldn't? We have been fortunate to have fine young adults serve to protect our freedoms. Some paid the ultimate price and some continue to pay long after coming home. Wonderful post, Margo.

Margo Hoornstra said...

Your heart and mine, Jannine. It does hurt, doesn't it?

Margo Hoornstra said...

It's up to us to break that horrible chain, Vonnie. As with any 'bad habit' acknowledging its existence is the first step to healing. Yep. I remain in awe of so many or our heroes and heroines. Blows my mind, really.

Diane Garner said...

Great post! IMHO, there's a new bigotry in our country, and I see this in people regardless of political affiliation. Anyone who voices an opinion different than yours is automatically a bad person. An atmosphere of inclusion and tolerance should include not only for race, religion, sexual orientation, etc., but also for political and social issues. We've become such an intolerant society that it's no big surprise we're so divided. Very sad.

As my dad was a thirty-year USMC vet, Veterans Day is always special. Semper Fi!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Thanks for stopping, Diane. My dad was a veteran too. You are spot on about having differing opinions doesn't make us bad people, just thoughtful. Maybe someday others will see diversity as a good thing. As I always say, we are all in this together.

Maris said...

Such a shame we grow up and start seeing us and them.

Alicia Dean said...

Excellent post. Yes, I thank our Veterans for their brave sacrifice. Heartwarming that children don't see races. Have an awesome weekend!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Maris, it is truly a shame. Hopefully at some point we'll be able to get it right.

Margo Hoornstra said...

Thanks, Alicia. I've said it before, I am in awe of our veterans. And, for that matter, our children too. Right back at you re the week-end.

Lucy Naylor Kubash said...

Let's hope as they grow up these children will continue not to see color but will only judge people by how they act, not how they look.

Margo Hoornstra said...

If that happens it will make for a beautiful world, Lucy. You're right. Let's hope it does.

Leah St. James said...

I can't add anything to what everyone has said. Great post, Margo. God bless our veterans and their families.

Margo Hoornstra said...

My thoughts exactly, Leah. Such tremendous, tremendous people.