VETERANS DAY 2007

BrooklynSites.INFO was extremely disappointed that the majority of our family members were unable to attend this year's Veterans Day Parade in New York City. However, we were proud to know that we were represented by my mother, Victoria J. Slater, a Vietnam Vet who served stateside in the United States Navy.

We were also deeply disappointed to learn that certain New York Yorkers had the audacity to ask my mother where she was going on November 11th, to which she replied, "the Parade". Suddenly, people wanted to know where the Parade was being held and why. My mother, wearing her Navy hat and dog tags, was dumbfounded. How could someone in New York City not know that the Veterans Day Parade was taking place! She shut down the inquisitive people by asking them if they knew where all the good sales were going to be on November 12th...They quieted down and that was the end of THAT conversation, I assure you.

When my mother returned from the Parade, she shared her story with me and then she asked me what I thought of the following idea:

When the Veterans march in next year's Parade, maybe they should all roll clothing racks, with big red "50% off signs", down the street with them so that people might pay attention to them.

I was ashamed to admit that whe was 100% right; that so many people who live in this great Nation of ours doesn't acknowledge those people who have put their lives on the line for us. I am also ashamed to know that few "so-called" Americans today would enlist to serve, honor and defend this country. But to know that people couldn't get themselves to stand outside on a brisk, beautiful autumn Sunday to thank those who have defended their right to be in America just makes me embarrassed to live here.

I thank God I'm an American. I am proud that my mother served, her father served, and almost every generation of my family has served this great Nation. I am also proud to know that my son, though only 13 years old, has made his decision to also serve our Nation when he is old enough.

Knowing the kindness and sacrifices that our Veterans have given us, and knowing that my son will follow in the footsteps of TRUE HEROES and not some idiotic comic book character or ridiculous movie star, makes me sleep better each night. I still have hope for our future.

There are those who cringe when they hear that my son wants to join the military. There are times when these same people look at me disapprovingly because I support his choice to serve his Country. I get annoyed and upset, yet when someone looks down on my son's goal in life, he gently reminds me that if it weren't for true Patriots, those same disapproving people wouldn't have the FREEDOM to show their resentment toward our military or the audacity to live here without giving something back.

Thank you, Mom, for serving our Nation, even though you knew the war was wrong. Thank you, ALL Veterans, for allowing me a life of privilege. Thank you, Veterans, for being my hero, and most of all, for giving my son pride in his Country.

Sincerely,
Lorraine A. Charlesworth
Founder of BrooklynSites