Tissues Needed

Well. I did it again. I even know better! What did I do, you might be asking. I’ll tell you. I showed up at East Elementary’s Veterans Day program without a single tissue.

Ms. Gwathmey, Mrs. Wilbourn and the rest of the East staff did an amazing job again this year with the program. Mrs. Wilbourn read the names of those who had served and were currently serving in the Armed Forces that were associated with East Elementary and their families. Also, in attendance were Veterans from our local VFW.

The tears started early on. As I stood with my hand over my heart and recited the pledge with a gymnasium full of children, friends and relatives, my eyes began to water. I stared at the American flag, speaking the words I know by heart, my mind briefly flashing to all those who sacrifice on a daily basis.

Thankfully, I managed to keep my tears in check as we finished and turned back to watch the children as they recited a song.

I listened as Michael Moore, 3rd grade teacher at East and a 22-year Air Force veteran spoke. One of the things he said that stuck out to me is when he talked about when he left to join and when he came home on leave. Please forgive me, because I did not record him and I’m going off my memory. Mr. Moore talked about joining for freedom, and for his family’s freedom.

When he came home on leave, he said that he would never forget seeing his wife and daughter waiting for him. That memory is ingrained in him for the rest of his life. He went on to say that when he saw them he knew that joining to protect his family and their freedom was the right decision. “I cried when I saw them.” He stated.

Once again, my mind wandered to all the sacrifices that our men and women make… for our freedom and to protect us. I felt the tears began to gather again, rapidly blinking trying to make them vanish into thin air.

“Second and third grade, please stand up.” Ms. Gwathmey said into the microphone.

I watched Kiera as she stood, smiling at the audience. She proudly stood with a red poppy tucked behind her ear.

As I listened to the first words of the song, that they sang loudly and proudly, I felt the tears began to slide down my cheeks.

“How do we say ‘Thank You’ for answering the call? You left your home and family and bravely served us all. A hero for our country, you fought so we could be forever free in this land of liberty!”

I stood watching, thinking about the sacrifices, the ones who kissed their families’ good-bye before leaving for months to protect all our freedom; to protect not only their family but mine as well. Tears slid unchecked as I continued to listen.

“You gave to us…You gave to me! And when you’re off to battle, we hope you’ll be ok. We know you’ll never let us down and keep us safe each day. Through your courageous effort, each one of us can be forever free in this land of liberty!”

I don’t think I could say it better than those lyrics.

After finishing their song and taking their seats on the floor, Mrs. Wilbourn introduced Randy Taylor stating that he would be playing “Taps” She also explained to the students that “Taps” was a song that signified ‘the end of day or time to rest’ for our Armed Forces. As Mr. Taylor, began to play the tears began to flow more freely as I flashed on all those who had served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

We often take for granted things like our freedom. Sometimes, we forget that others are sacrificing every day for that freedom that we take for granted.

I want to say ‘Thank You’ to all those who are serving or have served. Thank you to those who make a sacrifice for each one of us.

I also want to say ‘Thank You’ to the staff at East Elementary for recognizing our Veterans. Thank you for teaching my child to show love, support and respect for those serving to protect our freedom.

Now, I have to go set a reminder so that I don’t forget tissues at next year’s program.

“Forever Free” Words by Sam and Gary Francis – Music by Gary Francis

Rowonna McNeely works as the Communications Manager for the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, Aaron are regular volunteers in the community, and have their hands full with their daughter, Kiera, along with three dogs and one cat.

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