Marie - Fort Hood - 1976 When I think of Veterans Day, I think of how grateful I am for all of the men and women who are currently serving in the armed forces and the dedication and sacrifice of their families. I am also reminded of the role my family has played in serving the country. With the exception of a few years, a member of our family has been serving in the military since World War II. I remember growing up hearing stories told over and over by my grandfather and uncles about how they served our country. It wasn’t until my teenage years that any females in our family entered the military. My two cousins, Carol and her sister Jackie, set the example by joining the Army reserves. We were very proud of how independent they were and how they paved the way. In June of 1975, I proudly left for Fort McClellan, Alabama the home of the Women’s Army Corp – yes, I was a WAC! My twenty-year career was an amazing journey that chronicled the integration of women into the mainstream of the Army, training side-by-side, and now going to war in greater capacities than before. The other day I spoke with a friend who is serving overseas and I was reminded of how we have each built upon the legacy of others that is still going on today. In 1998, my husband surprised me and had me registered into the Women in the Military Service Memorial located in the Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, VA. I am proud to be among the great women who have served this country. On Independence Day, 2005, our family, visited the memorial and it was my pleasure to show my children a piece of history.
Our family is still serving the country. In addition to myself, and my husband, two of my brothers served in the Navy and one in the Marines. I have a nephew who is currently in the Army. Thank you to all of you who have dedicated your lives for our freedom!
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