Veterans Day

How do you tell a 3 year old about Veterans Day? As I was hanging the flag this morning, my 3 year old was all questions.

Norah: Why are you putting that old thing up? (if she only knew how 'old' the flag really is!)

Me: It's the American Flag. and because it's Veterans Day.

N: What's that?

Me: Well, it is a day we thank people who have been or who are serving in the military.

N: What's that?

Me: Do you know the army guys that Jayden plays with? Well, there are real people who fight for our country. And today we say, "Thank You," to them today.

N: What's a country?

Me: It's the place we live. We live in a city, that is in a state, that is in a country. And there are lots of groups of people who protect us every day so that we can be safe, so we can do what we want to do, so we can choose what kind of life we want.

N: oh. But why are you hanging that?

Me: Because by hanging the flag, I'm telling everyone I love my country and I am thanking the people who help/helped make our country the place it is.

N: oh. But why are you standing on a chair?

-- and that's pretty much where we end the explanation of Veterans Day to a 3 year old...

it was pretty tough, and I think I choked up a few times - just feeling the magnitude of my words.

I doubt she understands - and next year I may get the same questions again.

But one day she will understand, because we will teach her. We will tell her about the men and women who have fought for our life, our freedom, our liberty. We will tell her about the families who are at home, waiting for their moms or dads to come home - who worry about their safety - who don't understand what their moms or dads really do.

So thank you - It is an amazing you gift you give.

Matthew Busch, who is currently serving in the Air Force

Michael French, who just returned from Afghanistan

Grandfathers: Fred Folkertsma, William French, Edward Busch, John Moore

Countless Great-Uncles who fought in WWII

My dad: Mel Folkertsma who enlisted in the Army and fought in Vietnam

My Brother-in-Law: John Holmes, who served in the Navy

Cousins: Monte & Kelly French, who served in the Navy

Eric Paris, who served in the Army

Joel Prosser, who served in the Marine's during Operation Iraqi Freedom in '03