11.12.23
Yesterday was Veterans Day here in America. Today is Remembrance Sunday in England. It is a day, no matter where you are, to think about those who have served in the Armed Forces. To honour those men and women who gave time from their young lives to join up and serve their country, whether it be during a time of war or not. They joined the forces, and many were deployed overseas, often fighting in wars that they had little idea what the conflict was truly about. Many just knew they were there to help the people in that country win a battle against oppression or fight against evil forces that threatened our own Homeland or that of our allies. No matter what, these brave men and women wore their countries uniforms with pride, and we are thankful for them all.
Darrell is a veteran. He was born in Yankton, South Dakota and remembers well when he and his family moved from a house by the railroad tracks to one near the city park during WW II. It was 1944, he was 8 years old and remembers the neighbours who lived on both sides of them, putting a big red cross in their window when a family member was killed in war. That memory stayed with him. When he was almost 14 years old, he and his family moved to Oregon. He had a hard life as the oldest of eight children in a house that was not always the happiest. Summers would find him working in the fields of a local farmer, earning money that would help clothe his little brothers and sisters for the school year ahead.
When he was 17, he had $180 in the bank from working hard all summer. This was money he had been saving for new school clothes for his siblings, but also for a car he had his mind set on, a ‘41 Ford coupe for $100 – yes, a Ford! However, he was never to see that Ford as his father talked him out of all of his savings. So, that winter of 1953 he came home from school for Christmas vacation and never went back. Instead, he talked his mum into co-signing for him to join the army. He had to have her co-sign for him as he was too young to sign up himself. Before he knew it, he was on a ship, heading for Korea.
As I sat at my tables filled with all my soaps and lotions, gift boxes and tins at a bazaar in Mount Vernon yesterday, I could not help but think about those who have served our country. They have helped make this great nation what it is today. Oh, yes, it is not perfect. There are problems and strife and angst all over right now, not only here but all over the world. Yet where else could a person who has ambition and drive work to make something of themselves? After returning home from his tour of duty in the Army, through hard work and a determination to be his own boss, Darrell eventually became the largest electrical contracting shop in Deschutes County back in 1979.
Watching all the folks yesterday enter the hall to browse the vendor tables filled with all manner of Christmassy things, strolling along laughing and enjoying the day, it made me yet again realize how blessed we are to live in such a free country. This morning, as I sit here sipping my tea, watching the sky change from dark to glorious pink and orange and gold, I glance over to the stack of totes by the front door. Those boxes hold what is left of the soaps and lotions and other odds and ends I had at the bazaar yesterday, all waiting to be trundled back to the room that holds my soapy wares. As I looked at them, I thought how fortunate I am. Where else could I start a little business that not only brings me pleasure when I make my wares but allows me to share those wares with others? Where else could we have the peace and freedom to do what we do?
Yes, as I look outside at the dawning of the day, I think again of those who have served. Thanks wells in me for them who gave up time in their lives to give service to this country. It may not be perfect, but it is still the land of the free… because of the brave.
