Yes, I know this, but truthfully, because no one in my immediate family is involved, I am somewhat distant from the reality of the war.
Recently we went on vacation, and when returning home, we arrived early to the airport. An airport that is used to transport service personnel to their next assignment. As we waited for our flight, we witnessed the most heart wrenching good-byes that I have ever seen.
Family after family, saying their goodbyes. One serviceman, dressed completely in combat fatigues, had a wife and 2 young daughters. The family was there to see him off. Off to Afghanistan, yet again. When his flight was announced, he reached out to hug his daughters and wife for the last time and began to walk toward the door which led him to the plane. I will never forget the haunting wail eminating from the tiniest of persons, one long continuous wail, Dadddddddddddddddddddy. The youngest daughter ran after him, arms outreached, wanting him to stop and hold her. He looked back at her, and at his wife, who nodded, the nod saying, go ahead, I will take care of this. He smiled, nodded back and moved on.
The mother then went and picked the little girl up, held her close, tears streaming down both of their cheeks, reached for her other daughter, and with the greatest of dignity walked away from the flight and out of the airport. It was only then that I noticed that she was pregnant.
We ask so much not only of the soldiers that serve this country, but also of the families they leave behind.
I know this scenario takes place every day, and we as a nation must never forget. These young, patriotic men and women deserve our love, support and prayers. And we need to make sure that their families are taken care of while they are serving.
That day, in the Savannah, GA airport, I saw first hand what sacrifice is all about. I will never forget.
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