Regardless of political leanings to the left, right, or anywhere in between, we expect American citizens to show respect to those in uniform. This has not always been the case.
Flashback to the Vietnam War era.
The G.I.’s returning home from the unpopular Vietnam Conflict, during the 1960’s and early 1970’s, were protested and threatened when wearing uniforms in public. It was even necessary to hide their tell-tale haircuts when in civilian attire. Most were barely out of high school when they were drafted and quietly arrived home, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
This is a personal issue in my household. My husband enlisted into the military at age 17 during the era of draft numbers and Vietnam. He was on military flights that had to be gated off from the public, upon landing, due to anti-war protests. In the United States, they tried to hide their military identity when engaged in activities off base for their own safety. During military leaves and upon returning home to the Midwest, he remembers going to area dances only to have individuals against the Vietnam war wanting to inflict physical harm because of his service. Not much of a welcome home.
Now military service is acknowledged with send-off ceremonies and welcome home celebrations while families at home have access to a network of support groups. Challenges still exist as war is never pretty, popular or pleasant, but at least we are not adding to the stress. Vietnam veterans can’t help but think, where was all this when I returned?
I was lying in bed early this morning listening to Minnesota Public Radio and they reminded me of the anniversary of the horrendous ice storm of 2006 along the Southwest Minnesota and Northeast South Dakota border.
I remember it began with rain that morning, changing to freezing rain which froze to any surface it touched, eventually in heavy proportions. Power lines sagged with the weight of the ice and outages quickly ceasing any activity requiring electricity. Some were out of power for up to two weeks.
While this power outage was inconvenient, it did force us to go without electronic devices and interact with family on a deeper level. Playing cards, board games, talking, etc. were activities often engaged in when there was no electricity. Neighbors helped neighbors by opening their homes to those still without power and helping in whatever capacity was needed. Creative thinking was put into force as we tried to come up with Innovative ways to prepare meals and feed the family.
I captured this image near our home as the last rays of light danced across the ice on its branches. This tree is now reduced to a pile of wood as it was demolished last summer.
Eventually, after many hours of toil and labor, the truck and owner create a bond when they both can, finally, sit back and say, “A job well done.” Photography & Design by Joyce Meyer RJMeyerArts
Witnessing the end of something or someone near and dear is always difficult and the demise of the Grant-Deuel High School football field is no different. It’s the end of an era with no possibility of future high school football memories to be made…
It’s not that I’m such a die hard football fan, but I am a fan of community pride. Volunteers from the community and school would show up in droves to work the games in various capacities and, of course, pump up school spirit as cheerleaders and pep band members. Fans would start parking vehicles early in the morning or even the night before a home game just to get their favorite spot. The community would hum with chatter the next day after an exciting game with their own strategy analysis.
High school football was a catalyst for teaching the importance of hard work, perseverance, tolerance and teamwork. You win together, you lose together, and the big one… life isn’t always fair.
So, here’s to the final farewell of Friday night lights and the Grant-Deuel Wildcat football field.
The mild evening air is filled with insects as the prairie grasses are fading into fall. We enjoy these moments as we know winter will be just around the corner.
RJMeyerArts 