In my Humble Opinion — To our veterans: Thank you
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In My Humble Opinion
Jodi McDade
To our veterans: Thank you
This week I want to talk to all of the military veterans we have here in Coosa County – and there are many. I have the privilege to be personal friends or acquaintances with many of you and wish I knew you all.
We still have citizens who served our country in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, in addition to the younger generation who have stepped up during the more recent conflicts our country has faced. To each and every one of you I say “THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU.”
My thoughts this past week have gone to the rescue at Dunkirk, the raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima, the helicopters in Saigon, and the 24-hour coverage of the rescue of Kuwait, among many others.
Regardless of your political views you did your duty and honored your vows to defend our country and our citizens. Politics should not be involved in military operations or decisions. As a child growing up I watched movies relating to the World Wars – particularly in Europe, but also in the Pacific. I watched the portrayal of our military as they fought against the enemies of our way of life and fought for the freedom of all.
As a teenager during the Vietnam era, I was not a supporter of the war effort because there did not seem to be a “win it and get out attitude.” BUT, I supported my friends who served and did their duty – even the ones who did not come home or came home forever changed. Our military and security should be our Number 1 priorities in all funding and support.
My main point to all you who have worn the uniform of any of our military services is that I appreciate everything you have given to protect me and my family from harm. I hope you realize that the majority of Americans feel the same way I do.
Do NOT hold your head down because of any of the recent developments. Do NOT regret your efforts and sacrifices. And this also goes to any Gold Star families we might have here in Coosa County – I don’t know if we have any. Your sons and daughters were the very best our country had to offer, and your sacrifice is forever in my heart.
I can trace my relatives back to the Revolutionary War through almost every war and conflict we have had. I am the daughter and niece of World War II soldiers, sailors and airmen; the wife of a Vietnam Navy sailor; the stepmother to a Bosnian soldier; and the grandmother of a current Navy sailor. I will honor each of them forever. And I will fly my flag proudly.
I’ll close with a verse from a Jimmy Buffet song that has been in my head all week, “….I ate the last mango in Paris, I took the last plane out of Saigon, I took the first fast boat to China, and, Jimmy, there’s still so much to be done.”
And now I have seen the end of the great 20-year war in Afghanistan – and there is STILL so much to be done.
God bless you all, and please pray for our great nation.