Remembrance Day

“Today we remember those who have given their lives and served their country in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions, and we also acknowledge the support of their families."

My husband and I both come from families that have been deeply affected by the loss and absence of men and women who served in the military. When we are in a group where those in the military are asked to stand, I often wish that we who were in families with those people were recognized as well.

My husband's uncle Lt. Marcus Vincent Courtney enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941. He was a student at Duke University, conductor of the student band called the Duke Ambassadors and an all around great guy, big man on campus. On D Day he and his crew set off at 2 am, and because of the different formation for this important invasion, an errant plane tipped their tail assembly, and they crashed near the coast in Norfolk, England. All on board were killed. We remember Uncle Vince every year on this day.

We also remember Aunt Ivey, Uncle Vince's sister who served as an officer in the Women's Army Corps and came home from her duties to the news of her brother's death. Her husband was also in the Army Air Corps as was her brother in law, and they all survived the war.

Finally we also remember those families whose loved ones serve and served in the Armed Forces, leaving spouses and children at home which often results in the great struggle we know that comes from a single parent family. Those serving in the Armed Forces can be gone for anywhere from nine months to a year, leaving a large gap in the family which often results in great estrangement between the missing parent and the rest of the family.

On this day, please remember all those who have given their lives, given up their parents and suffered in many ways as a result of wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions. If you know any of those family members, give them a call today and say thank you!