Veterans Day

 I will never apologize for loving America. I feel like my country is a blessed place. Here we have so many opportunities and choices. Sure, we may have problems, but there isn’t any other place in the whole world I would rather live. The problems we face in America today are not problems without solutions. We, the people, just need to step up and unite. I know we are capable but we must choose to have honest discourse and be okay being uncomfortable as we have those interactions with those that may differ in opinion. We have become too worried about offense and forget to use our ears and understanding hearts!

One thing I have always been proud of are the men and women who have sacrificed much to go and serve this great country in the military. 

My dad is one of my heroes. He served in the Air Force and was in Vietnam. He doesn’t talk about his experiences there, but I know it affected him greatly. He taught me to respect the flag and those that have served our country. I think of him often as I stand and respect the flag each day as I say The Pledge of Allegiance in my advisory class. I know he would be just as frustrated by the ignorance of those that sit, but like me, he would also say it’s their right to do so. 

Another one of my heroes is 1st Sargent Kevin Boughtin. Kevin worked at my school for a few years in our JROTC program. He also demonstrated strong patriotism and is one of the kindest humans I know. Our conversations always have made me feel important and heard. Kevin has spoke at our Veterans Day Assembly the past two years.  He speaks in a way that captivates our students and gets them thinking. He teaches Patriotism gently to kids who really haven’t been taught about the blessings of being an American or living in this amazing place. I was so impressed by how Kevin talked all about Moms after he lost his mom not too long ago. What strength!  It’s been two years and I know I wouldn’t  be able to speak about my sweet mom in front such a large group. 

I had a touching Veterans Day full of reflection.  I hope you were able to as well!