Jim traced back his family’s military history to the American Revolution and to Europe before then. Continuing with the tradition, his kids are either in military service or married to someone who is.
Military through and through, he was the ideal person to ask about a Memorial Day message.
His lightning fast response:
“They also serve who remain behind.”
“Nowadays, the military gets recognition. Slowly, people are recognizing that the families undergo great hardships. They’re in the military, too, but they don’t get paid by the government.”
When Jim was 13 years old, his father, a military advisor, was sent to Saudi Arabia.
“All the manly stuff fell on my shoulders from what to do when the car broke down to family emergencies. It’s traumatic for a family to be on their own while worrying about the safety of a loved one stationed far away.”
“The dandelion is the official flower of the military brat.”
“The seeds of dandelions scatter as the wind blows, and they put down roots wherever they land.
“Military brats are raised with suitcases in both hands.
“In the old days, people were transferred every couple of years.
“In 1951, my parents drove the whole family from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Fairbanks, Alaska. It took 30 days, and much of it was on dirt roads.
“Imagine doing that with a carload of kids.”
The families are unsung heroes.
And Memorial Day is a time of remembrance.
Your TIP is to send a prayer of acknowledgment to all those who take or have taken a stand for liberty so we can enjoy our freedom.
Send a prayer of appreciation to the warriors inspired to serve on the front lines or to help behind the lines in whatever capacity.
Send a prayer to honor those who serve or have served as well as to honor their families who’ve made countless personal and emotional sacrifices while supporting them.
Because of their service, we have greater freedom to pursue our dreams and goals.
We give thanks.
Tags: Dandelion flower of military brats, Honor miltary families, Memorial Day Message, They also serve who remain behind.
Soulgoals' Blog 
May 30, 2016 at 10:21 AM |
Wonderful! I’m an Air Force brat. When my dad was gone for a year during Vietnam war, I was 7 years old. I picked a bunch of dandelions every day that spring for my sad mom.
Never knew the significance. Thanks.
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May 30, 2016 at 10:33 AM |
Thanks for your comment. I got goose bumps while reading it. In the spirit of this blog post, thank you for YOUR service. Family can be a powerful anchor for many in the military – most assuredly for a dad to know that his 7-year old and wife were waiting at home with love in their hearts.
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