For Uncle David, Pug, Jonny, and millions more

The first memory I have of a Veteran is that of my Uncle David. I didn't understand what the word meant but I knew he was one. David had a smile that matched the size of his enormous heart. And his hugs...he would crush you if you let him, they were so very tight. He had a very beautiful family, 3 beautiful children. Anyone who was in David's presence felt immediately that the world was a better place for having known him. David was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. While he was one of the lucky ones to come home. History shows us that he did not come home to the welcome he deserved. I remember in my political youth, I once said that while I certainly apposed the Vietnam War. I would never feel nothing but tremendous pride in my brave Uncle David. As a kid I used to wish that I could travel back in time so that perhaps I could have given him the welcome home he so deserved. In High School when I visited the Vietnam Memorial I was overcome. Inconsolable I could only sob "there are so many names". The memory tears me up to this day. I also remember seeing fellow classmates etching names of relatives and I was so grateful that my Uncle David came home. Unfortunately David still left this world far too soon, but there is not a Memorial or Veterans day that goes by that I don't think of him. David instilled in me the awareness that while you can disagree with WAR you must always be grateful to the people who love their country so much, that they are willing to sacrifice themselves.

Pug, our former landlord (funny how that just sounds like such an inappropriate way to describe him to me) and dear friend. Has eyes that light up when you see him. He is always so kind and always has all the time in the world for you. He has this hearty laugh and is just a very very wonderful soul. I'm honored to know this Korean War Vet. My life has been so enriched by our many discussions about life and war. I think of him today.

And my sweet cousin Jonny, I can fill volumes with my pride for him. By far the most loving and tenderhearted boy I have ever met. He deserves nothing but the best in this life. He is so talented, and brave, and smart, patient and kind. And he is the first person I've known that has really brought about a new level of understanding when it comes to war. Jonny is an Iraq War Veteran. And I look at Jonny as a mother looks to a child. I see the invisible scars, the private war that wages in him. I learned from him that the sacrifice of our armed forces does not end on the battlefield. It continues on long after the tour is over. And they all continue to face it with a bravery that floors me with it's magnitude.

I think of them and all the other sons and daughters, that have and continue to make a sacrifice I will never be capable of.

Including:
Ernest James Brownley Sr.
Ernest James Brownley Jr.
Phillip Brownley
Evan Campbell
Roscoe Liverman
George Liverman
Edward Plympton Brown I.
Thomas O'Hara


Regardless of whether you feel a war is just or not, The love and devotion they show to this country through their sacrifice is a gift that none of us should ever take for granted. On the battlefield and off.

I offer my simple and humble... Thank You.