The True Meaning Of Service

When I was in the seventh grade, the South Knoxville Optimist Club sponsored an essay contest in celebration of Veterans Day. I entered because my grandfather was active in the club, and because I’d won a contest they sponsored before, and scored free dinner at Shoney’s for my family. Even in those days there wasn’t much I wouldn’t do for a hot fudge sundae. The essay was to be about what Veterans Day meant to me. Frankly at that point in my life I gave far more thought to how I could make my hair look like Farrah Fawcett’s, and I certainly hadn’t mulled over Veterans Day for any length of time. My grandmother suggested I interview my father and grandfather, who both served in the military years before I was born. I knew they served. We had the pictures to prove it, as well as the letters they both wrote to my grandmother while they were away. However I had never asked either of them about their time serving their country.

I won’t get into all the specifics of what each of them told me, but I will say there was a common theme in both conversations. My grandfather and father were both educated men, who traveled all over the world, thanks in part to their service. They ran a successful family business while raising families of their own, and trust me, being married to my mother and grandmother couldn’t have always been the easiest thing in the world. They each had a list of accomplishments to be proud of, but it was apparent to me after those conversations, serving their country was what they considered to be defining points of their lives.

While writing that essay I learned things about my father and grandfather I might never have known, and even more about what it really means to love this country. I was raised to believe when you love somebody or something sacrifice and service are part of the deal. I’m not suggesting those of us who have not served in the armed forces don’t love our country. But, I am suggesting one of the ways we can all serve is by honoring those who have as often as we can. Today I have friends and family members whose sons and daughters are serving in a time of war. And as a parent I cannot imagine any greater pride, or fear than knowing your child is willing to sacrifice and serve the country we all love during these turbulent times.

I am grateful for a seventh grade essay contest that taught me the real meaning of Veterans Day. I am grateful for my sons growing up in a country where so many served and died for the opportunities and freedoms they enjoy. And I am grateful to those serving today and their families who carry on the proud traditions of service, sacrifice and love of our country.