David Kolman 5 14 Color 5827427ff1b6d

Kolman’s Komments: Thank our military

Nov. 21, 2016
Let’s not forget to be thankful to our nation’s military.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the things we have to be grateful for. Not an easy thing to do, perhaps, what with all that is going on in the world these days.

We become too busy or preoccupied and forget to say thanks.

At Thanksgiving particularly, I always set aside some “quite time” to reflect on the many people I am thankful for, especially those who are in harm’s way for our way of life.

A while back, I came across the poem entitled, A Soldier’s Thanksgiving, written by Mariane Holbrook. I read it at this time of year:

Over there a soldier's thinking

Of a time not long ago,

When his loved ones got together;

'Twas Thanksgiving Day, you know.

Over there a soldier's dreaming

Of a turkey baked just right,

Mashed potatoes, golden gravy,

Chestnut dressing, pure delight.

Over there a soldier's hungry

For whipped cream on pumpkin pie.

Squares of cornbread, crusts so tender,

Homemade biscuits stacked up high.

Over there a soldier's wishing

He could have one buttered roll.

But he feasts on GI rations

While his unit's on patrol.

Over there a soldier's lying

In a ditch, his makeshift bed.

Mud and dirt are his companions;

Been awhile since he's been fed.

Over there a soldier's praying

That his open sores will heal.

He is sure that he'll feel better

Once he has a good hot meal.

Over there a soldier's hearing

Loud explosions, muffled cries.

Shrapnel killed his foxhole buddy

Right before his very eyes.

Over there a soldier's quoting

Scriptures learned at Mother's knee,

Proud that he's a mighty warrior,

Keeping all his loved ones free.

This Thanksgiving as you're eating

That sweet corn that grandpa grew,

Say a prayer for that dear soldier

Who would love to be with you.

On this Thanksgiving, America remembers

The men and women of our military . . .

May God love, bless and protect you all.

At this time of year, share your gratefulness for the service of our nation’s men and women in uniform – along with their families, for the many sacrifices made to keep our Nation safe.

About the Author

David A. Kolman | Contributor - Fleet Maintenance

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