The Duncan Family: a salute

Thursday, March 18, 2010

a salute

4 comments:

Jason and Carrie said...: She is so photogenic! Love that little salute... pretty cute!; Thursday, March 18, 2010
Anonymous said...: WOW! Our own little soldier. Too
cute - luv ya Vera.
G-Ma Dreyer; Thursday, March 18, 2010
Anonymous said...: How sweet, just like her daddy. Pics are great. Can't wait to see you next week. Love You!! Aunt Mindy; Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wally & Leah Hansen said...: Very cute! Love the thumbs up.; Thursday, March 18, 2010

Military Wife

I never wore the uniform, no medals on my chest.
The band, it doesn't play for me, I am not among “the Best.”
I do not march in cadence; I do not rate salute,
I stand among the silent ranks, our devotion absolute.
If you've not worn my shoes, you do not know my story.
I live a life of sacrifice, my reward a private glory.
I've wept many silent nights away,
and I've kept the home fires burning.
I've worried and I've waited, as world events were churning. I've moved more times than you could fathom,
left more people than you've known.
I've planted gardens 'round the world,
very few that I've seen grown.
I've grieved with new-made widows,
and had my share of scares -- when a ship or plane or man was down, and all I had were prayers.
I'm not asking for your sympathy, (although appreciation can be nice) I did it quite on purpose --I chose to sacrifice.
I'll tell you a secret now, one you'd never guess.
About the one glory that is mine,
it's just enough -- no more, no less.
When you and I stand together as our national anthem plays, I'll fill with reminiscences of how I spent those days.
I'll know the pain and joys again,
I'll know that freedom isn't free,
I'll know I've helped to pay the price –
and that the anthem plays for me.

Elizabeth Soutter Schwarzer
Marine Wife