Daily Archives: November 12, 2012

Yesterday and today we celebrate our veterans.  We honor those who are currently fighting for our freedom, and those who have fought and sacrificed to keep this country free.  Thank you is just not enough.  While we honor ALL who serve(d), this wonderful quote by Maya Angelou gives a big shout-out to the women who proudly serve and have served this country.   According to Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation, Inc. as of November, 2011 there were 214,098 women on active duty.  That means that women make up 14.6% of the entire military.  An even more eye-opening statistic for me is that there are 1,853,690 women veterans, 57,479 in Illinois alone.

Almost 2 million women who were courageous enough to fight for this country.  Two million women who may not have believed in their own strength going in, but came out knowing exactly what strength looked and felt like.  Two million women who went far beyond their civic duty to make a difference for the next generation.  Two million women, who despite their extraordinary service, quietly go about their business because after all, they were only doing their job.

I have the honor of knowing one of these exceptional women.  Not having received her permission to disclose her identity, I will not do so without it.  What I can tell you is that she served this country proudly for many years.  She is worldly, smart, well spoken and courteous.  She is a Mom.  I know civilian life has had some serious ups and downs for her, but she never complains, remaining positive and upbeat.  She is a shining example of strength, courage, humility and perseverance.  To you, my old friend, I say thank you.  Thank you for our freedom.  Thank you for putting a beautiful face to the phrase “a woman soldier”.  Thank you for showing us what strength looks like.  Thank you for sacrificing so much of your life so that I can actually write this blog without fear of retaliation or imprisonment.  Thank you.  Just thank you, and in my heart, I know that will never be enough.

On this day and everyday, we honor all service members.  We pray with you, we honor you, we thank you, we support you, we love and respect you.   We also send our prayers to your families, who spend or have spent countless hours worrying, missing, and loving you.  And to all the “she-roes” out there, please keep shining.  We are following your light.

With respect,

Fee