If you have been a fan of R.W. Hampton music for longer than, well, let’s say 4 minutes, (which is the amount of time it takes to listen to most of his songs), you know that R.W. is feverishly patriotic.
Yes, patriotism runs deep in the Hampton family and days like Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day are not merely for putting out the flag, but a time when we pause to honor those around us who have served our nation or are currently serving.
On these special days we get a chance to stand up and thank those around us who have signed that dotted line saying “America, I’m yours. I will stand up and fight for you, your citizens, your government, your flag and all that it stands for. Regardless of whether I like that government, those citizens, or the cause I have been sent to accomplish. Because as an American, I believe that in the end, right will win; evil will be conquered; freedom will reign and my family, my country, and my fellow soldier/marine/sailor/airman needs me.”
Yes, these are special days. Not just to honor men like these.
They are what make our country great.
It’s what’s inside them. They know that they were willing to stand up for their country and sign that dotted line. Willing to face our enemies in that moment of battle and know the courage it takes.
Neither R.W. nor I have done this. Signed the dotted line. Faced our enemies across a battlefield.
For as R.W. said to me one day, “My greatest disappointment in life as an adult is that I will never know if I had it inside me to do what they have done; to face what they have faced and to know that I did my part for my country.”
And so, although we are not Veteran’s ourselves, our part now is to support and honor these men and women who are. To encourage them, to enlighten our community to their sacrifices, and to keep their memories alive; this is our job now.
God bless everyone of our Veterans. We go to sleep tonight safe because at one point you had the courage to sign that dotted line.
OXO – Lisa H.
I just want to express my gratitude for your comments. We need more Americans to stand up and say they are proud of what our military and it’s veterans have done for our country. My military career spanned across 36 years in both the Navy and the Army. It wasn’t until just before retiring that I was at the Viet Nam Memorial and I was wearing my Black Beret from my time on the River Boats. A many walked over to me and said “Welcome Home” and saluted. Tears started running down my cheeks. It had taken over 35 years before someone actually said “welcome home” to me! Times are different now and many things have changed. I hope it never again takes that long for someone to welcome back a vet that was only doing his duty, as he saw it, for his country. God bless all that have served and may they never be forgotten.
SSG (CC/Ranger) Philip E. Evans (Retired)
Thank you Phillip. Its people like you we need more of. You are welcome “home” by many of us.
Your article has really inspired me to really totally change the way I run my site. I want to let you know I appreciate your hard work.