Personal Meories of Veteran's Day

While Veteran's Day honors those who have served in our nation's military service, this day has held special memories for me. It was 21 years ago that I first became a big sister. On this day, I remember having had waited for nine months for my little brother, Chad Walter, to be born. He was named after our great-grandfather. Every member of our family was there as well, at the hospital, and later in our home.

When my brother was born, late in the afternoon, I was sitting in the lobby with my grandmother, who is now deceased. I had one day to ski school. I thought that was the best thing ever! I was taken to a McDonald's to have a happy meal lunch. At the age of eight, fast food being called happy is the best type of dinning out. In 88' Christmas toys were already being sold before Thanksgiving. For some strange reason, all I had wanted was to take a holiday Kermit the Frog toy into the delivery room.

Finally, meeting the newborn baby was such a surprise. Days later he would come home with my mother and father. I was allowed to carry him from the car. Only a few pictures were kept of these moments. But, knowing today is all grown -up and celebrating brings back that very few seconds of joy.

Now, I live in another state separate from my brother and family. I am a single mother. Many years have gone by since I have seen my little brother. As I am in Nevada and he is in Texas, not much time for travel arises during busy weeks of our college educations and occupations. However, this year he will be visiting Las Vegas. Not his first time though. Yet, his first time at gambling age. So, I am very excited to see him and be able to go out and play in the casinos with him.

On this day a very special person entered my life. Today he is officially a man, and an adult capable of drinking and all others sorts of adult activities. I am wishing him a happy birthday, and awaiting his arrival at McCarran airport, locating in Las Vegas.

For all others on this day who have served the military your efforts are not forgotten or not honored, but acknowledged secondly in my family. With what great wars have been fought in my life: The Gulf and Terror Wars, many lives have been lost. Knowing service workers protected out freedoms, and have since the beginning our country gives great pride to Americans. I had a grandfather who severed in World War two, he was a photo journalist that brought many pictures of bombers in flight back to the press of Stars and Strips. With all the warm memories and ceremonies of dedication for our troops, I would like to say thank you to the many thousands of soldiers who have returned home.