Because it is Veterans Day

[valarltd]

This is for my grandfather, Tech Sgt H.J. Wymer, who returned from North Africa with malaria and nightmares that haunted him all his life.

This is for my father, a National Guardsman, who spent the Kansas City race riots hiding under a car, because the Guard had not been issued ammunition.

This is for my uncle and grandfather by marriage, both of whom served in the Pacific. And for Granny, who served state-side and whose photo was in the recruiting material.

This is for my grandfather, Marion Fantz, who washed out of Basic with the measels.

This is for my grandmother's husband, who served in WWII. Our only personal inheritance from him is the name I wore for 21 years.

This is for my mother's husband, Joe, who gave her five good years before the VA's carelessness killed him.

This is for Fr. Scott, who served during the first Iraq war and has just now been ordained into the service of the Prince of Peace, after serving Ares.

This is for the D-Man, who served state-side during Iraq I.

This is for Barbara who never quite left South-east Asia, even when she lived in Missouri.

This is for ginmar.

This is for all my friends who have served, who are serving, who tried to serve but could not or who are considering serving.

We remember.