Nov
14
REMEMBERING VETS
Filed Under American Patriotism, Family, Peace, PTSD treatment, Tears of a Warrior, Veteran's Day, Veterans Day 2010, War | Comments Off
by Janet J. Seahorn, Ph.D
It is cold outside.
I just got home from my last lecture session. Needless to say it was quite interesting as the entire week I have been battling a bad cold and struggling with losing my voice.
Today, there was no voice. Trying to deliver a lecture with laryngitis is a challenge. Hence, I put all of my “words” on my wonderful PowerPoint and proceeded with the lesson.
Since the week is Veteran’s Day week, I decided I would do something different for my university classes. I would talk about the LITERACY of WAR: the vocabulary, the literature, the stories, and of course, the effects of war on both the veteran and the families.
My first slide said this:
My husband is a Vietnam veteran who was a young officer and served in the jungles between the borders of Cambodia and Vietnam. He witnessed a great deal of bloody battles and lost many men. He has two Purple Hearts. The last one he received after being severely wounded. Out of 130 men, only 19 walked away without any injuries. The rest were either killed or wounded. Yesterday I asked if he would like to be the guest speaker for today’s class since I have no voice. His response is what he said he would tell you,
“My wife thinks I’m not miserable enough, so she wants me to talk about PTSD for 90 minutes.”
He said some other things he might share with you, at which time I decided his services would not be needed! (I would like to keep my job.)
Of course my students thought this was pretty funny, even if it was true. But the purpose of this blog is to share with you what I learned from my students. It is pretty sobering.
Out of 140 students, only five had ever had a college session where the professor talked about or honored veterans on Veteran’s Day.
Most students were interested in the session’s information and videos. A few, however, during the first short video paid more attention to their text messages than to the video. Then I put on a slide, “How well did you listen and honor our veterans during the show?” The room was incredible still. The other short clips received 100% of their attention.
- Young people are not insensitive to veterans, I believe their seeming thoughtlessness is not that at all… it is because the adults around them do not take the time to talk WITH them, or to REMIND them of the sacrifices others have made FOR them. Schools, communities, and parents are the ones most at fault. Many have lived the experience and stayed silent. No longer will I remain soundless. I will always give this presentation in the coming years.
- We did an activity where students moved forward when I asked a question if a relative had served, was injured, or died in a particular war. Many took a step when I mentioned WWII. More stepped forward again when I mentioned Vietnam. And last, when I asked about the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict, I was surprised at how many were impacted. Last, I asked for those who had or were currently serving in today’s wars, four stepped forward. I had them face the class so all would see. Then I began clapping and the entire class gave these four young men a standing ovation for their service. It was an emotional moment for everyone.
At the end of class two of the young men commented that this was the first time anyone had acknowledged and thanked them for their service. Today was the first of what I hope will be many. And just as important 140 young people may stop every now and then, think about those who gave and are giving so much, and say a prayer of gratitude.
Perhaps, when they see a vet or know of a family member who has served they will say Thank You.
A few have already called home and done just that.
Mar
22
What’s Worth Fighting For
Filed Under American Patriotism, Life, War | Comments Off
by Janet J. Seahorn
Some people may have a difficult time understanding what in this world would be worth giving one’s life. The courage to go into battle knowing the possibilities. Watching while others die or are severely wounded, and still continue to fight. Many poets and philosophers have written how significant it is to live life for something beyond oneself. To live for a cause greater than yourself. This short video was sent to me by my brother. While I listened to the music and watched the screen, it was abundantly obvious why America is definitely worth fighting for. Beyond any political agenda, beyond any religious belief, beyond the love of family and friends, America has given us bountiful blessings with such amazing beauty. Yes, America is not only beautiful; it is worth living and dying for in our lifetime.
http://sagebrushpatriot.com/america.htm
Dec
24
A Christmas Poem Video
Filed Under American Patriotism | Comments Off
-Written by Michael Marks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_P6yU_ymFM
Oct
22
Here’s to the Heros: A Military Tribute
Filed Under American Patriotism | Comments Off
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL-0mdEg0U4
Sep
30
Red Fridays
Filed Under American Patriotism, Events, Today's War | Comments Off
RED FRIDAYS —– You will begin seeing a great many people wearing Red every Friday.
The reason?
Americans who actively support our troops used to be called the ‘silent majority’. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.
We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get little media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.
Many Americans, like you, me and our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Americans support our troops.
Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts on Friday – and continues each and every Friday until the troops come home from war.
Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar should consider wearing something red.
A bunch of us are doing this.
Please join us.
