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ARMED FORCES DAY - May 18, 2006
Armed Forces Day will be celebrated on Saturday, May 20.
“President Harry Truman created Armed Forces Day more than 54
years ago. His intention still survives as a single day--in
unity to show appreciation to our Armed Forces. This is a time
to emphasize the role of the military in a democratic society
and honor the people of the Armed Forces of the United States.
At the present time, many of the soldiers are Reserve or
National Guard who continue making great sacrifices. Saying
‘good bye’ during mobilization is more challenging for them
because of financial issues, civilian job worries, and family
support matters. There are more than 250,000 reserve and active
duty soldiers deployed around the world. The days of National
Guard and Reserve troops being seen as part time soldiers is ‘as
obsolete as metal helmets’.” (Staff Sgt. Debra Couture, 354th
Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)
“The view of the National Guard and Reserve is changing. The
public is beginning to realize that we are being called up more
and more since Sept. 11, 2001. We are much more than weekend
soldiers. The new citizen soldiers are our neighbors, friends,
teachers, and co-workers who volunteer to train for the time
when the United States will call on them to serve.”(by Maj. Gen.
William B. Lynch, Adjutant General, Pa. National Guard.)
If we expect people to answer the call and put themselves in
harm’s way, we need to support them. It should be important to
every American to show appreciation to the men and women in our
Armed Forces. I have special feelings about showing our
gratitude. Todd Rhodes, husband of our daughter Sarah, is
returning to Iraq to finish his second tour of active duty with
the North Carolina National Guard.
I was in Hickory last weekend to take part in welcoming him
home. I am overwhelmed with pride and gratitude for his service
to all of us. The very things that we take for granted and
sometimes even complain about, such as green grass and having to
mow it, are what he was looking forward to. He showed us
pictures of sand and then the same scenes after a rain when the
mud was axle deep on their trucks. His men work well together,
have a good mental and emotional outlook and feel that progress
is being made.
We attended the dance recital for their daughters, Michelle,
Emily and Rebecca. The finale was an interpretive dance by
Michelle’s group to the song “Somebody’s Praying You Through,”
sung by Allen Amsbury. The conclusion showed Michelle kneeling
in prayer at one side of the stage. Todd appeared at her side,
in uniform. This was a very emotional time for the audience.
Somebody’s Praying Me Through
Pressing over me like a big blue sky
I know someone has me on their heart tonight
That’s why I know it’s gonna be alright
’Cause somebody’s praying me through
It may be my Mother, it might be my Dad
Or an old friend I’ve forgot I had
But whoever it is I’m so glad that
Somebody’s praying me through
Through the tears, through the rain
Through the sorrow, through the pain
It keeps bringing me through
Over and over again
So when you’re drowning in a sea of hurt
And it feels like life couldn’t get any worse
There’s a blessing waiting to push back the curse
’Cause somebody’s praying you through
Someone got down on their knees and prayed for me
Somewhere, somebody’s praying you through.
Can you imagine what it would be like to live in a country
where we could not have green grass to mow, pray in a public
place, have National Day of Prayer on the courthouse lawn or
vote in elections as we did last week?
Freedom is not free. Through the ages our armed forces have
made sacrifices.
Our prayers are important to our men who are defending the
freedoms we hold so dear. We must pray for them and thank them
for defending the peace and prosperity that Americans enjoy. We
must bring them home to a nation where we show appreciation and
love.
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