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| My brother Robbie, son Hunter and Grandpa Sonny |
It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
-Author Unknown
The above Veteran’s Day tribute was sent to me in an email from a colleague. There is not an author listed but I was moved by it and wanted to share. The veteran we honor and salute in our family is my maternal grandfather, Oscar Jr. who we all call Grandpa Sonny as well as others like Uncle Owen.
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| Photo provided by Erin Jarolimek |
Another veteran I personally want to thank today is the brother of my friend and colleague, Erin. You might remember in early August when I asked you to remember Erin’s brother, First Lieutenant Clayton Jarolimek in your prayers. He was seriously injured in Afghanistan. Your prayers were heard, felt and answered. He is home now recovering and his wife is expecting their first child in just days.
Above is a photo shared by Erin and below are her words via email following her brothers Purple Heart ceremony recently. She said I could share with you although her brother is “a modest Marine that doesn’t like much fuss” which is just one more reason we today we need to stop and thank our veterans. They humbly serve and sacrifice for us every day.
Via Erin:
Clayton was injured by an IED on foot patrol in Afghanistan on August 2nd. His injuries were mainly to his face and eyes. His vision was a concern at one point, but it is progressing and he should make a full recovery.
The Purple Heart, one of the oldest merits in American Military, is awarded in the name of the President to those that have been wounded, or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the US Military.
The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by George Washington during the Revolutionary War, then the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, by order from his Newburgh, New York headquarters on August 7, 1782. The actual order includes the phrase (and I love this phrase), “Let it be known that he who wears the Military Order of the Purple Heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen. “
Yesterday as I flew home from a business trip in California, the airline captain reminded us all it was the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and to thank a veteran for the freedoms we have every day.
The Purple Heart, one of the oldest merits in American Military, is awarded in the name of the President to those that have been wounded, or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the US Military.
The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by George Washington during the Revolutionary War, then the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, by order from his Newburgh, New York headquarters on August 7, 1782. The actual order includes the phrase (and I love this phrase), “Let it be known that he who wears the Military Order of the Purple Heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen. “
Yesterday as I flew home from a business trip in California, the airline captain reminded us all it was the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and to thank a veteran for the freedoms we have every day.
As the airline captain said yesterday and the US Marines say…
Semper Fi.
(Semper Fidelis is Latin for “Always Faithful”)
Thank you veterans for being always faithful to our country and protecting our freedoms.
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