Heroes!

I have known for years that Aaron is going to serve his country and enter the Marines after high school...

Ever since he was little, he has worn military hats, berets, camoflage, army boots - anything to be like his heros. (He still does!) Ü

And one of my favorite memories of him is the summer that he would sing all four anthems for each branch of service - proudly... at the top of his lungs... whenever he was asked!!

To be honest - I think he would go tomorrow if he could - that is how much he wants to serve!!

I have always been ok with it - probably because he is so determined...
Occasionally, he has vacillated between Army and Marines but he always comes back to his number 1 choice... to be a Marine - "like his Grandpa"

I was very emotional at Memorial Day Services this year (OK, more than normal)

~ Our flag, waving in the wind... there were 37 of them out this year - breathtaking!

~ Hearing my dad speak - and feeling so proud and thankful for his life.

~ Watching my great uncle Carl and his son Denny stand side by side, saluting our flag.

Then, when they played Taps... usually one of my favorite moments.

It suddenly dawned on me... Aaron entering the service is now than 2 years away...

This year... I admit, I did, very persuasively, try to talk him into sticking with the drums...

My argument to him - "Aaron, you can have an awesome career in the Marine band, travelling, seeing the world, getting great pay and benefits" - all the while selfishly, not wanting him to see combat.

His response? "Heck no!! I am not taking the easy way out! Mom, I want to fight... I need to serve my country... someone has to protect YOUR freedom"

How can you not be proud of that???

SOOOOO.... I have already started praying...

~ for his safety

~ for his friends and commrades while he will be there

~ that if he has to serve... that he will make a difference!!

This link/tribute gave me the chills... and reminded me of Aaron that summer!

They are all my heroes!!!

This was filmed in Iraq at a USO tour of a US Marine Base. Play it and enjoy...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MtdIO23MKM