Veteran's Day
While I am a little late in getting the word out about how proud I am of those in my family who have faithfully served their country with honor and those who I've met who have done the same and even those I've yet to meet. Every time I see our brave young men and women in uniform, I feel very proud and privileged to be a citizen of this country. Sure, we have traveled some bumpy roads recently, but then nothing worthwhile is gained with out some pain and strain as long as we keep working together, pulling in the same direction. We do not have to agree. We do not have to see eye to eye, just as long as we can learn to respect where our fellow citizens are coming from.
When I was young, I saw the world in terms of black and white, but over the years the gray seems to have become more and more prevalent and what was right and wrong became a matter of what we valued most in our country. I have learned over my sixty plus years that we all have a right to human dignity given to us by our Creator and let no man put asunder. When I went to vote this November, I saw that the words slavery would be removed from the state constitution.
When I served, I had the pleasure of serving with people from other countries. When they finished their enlistment, they were given the opportunity to become United States citizens. Four years ago that was removed. I would like to see that honored again as anyone willing to serve honorable for this country deserves to be included as a citizen for the country in which they served. This country has prospered on its diversity.
And in the name of diversity, I have some stories I'd like to share with you starting with:
When I was young, I saw the world in terms of black and white, but over the years the gray seems to have become more and more prevalent and what was right and wrong became a matter of what we valued most in our country. I have learned over my sixty plus years that we all have a right to human dignity given to us by our Creator and let no man put asunder. When I went to vote this November, I saw that the words slavery would be removed from the state constitution.
When I served, I had the pleasure of serving with people from other countries. When they finished their enlistment, they were given the opportunity to become United States citizens. Four years ago that was removed. I would like to see that honored again as anyone willing to serve honorable for this country deserves to be included as a citizen for the country in which they served. This country has prospered on its diversity.
And in the name of diversity, I have some stories I'd like to share with you starting with:
- That's My Story and I'm Sticking to it: Terminal Living: A War Story: This is a true war story of being held hostage in the Yokota Terminal in Japan. While many would say that this was not more than voluntary duty since I was flying Space Available (SA) on my own accord, You be the judge if I have earned some kind of special ribbon. Published on Reedsy October 2022.
- Shadows Never Lie: Roger needs to murder his mother while he still has his sanity. He needs the title to her house and has no ambition, but his efforts are thwarted by the most unlikely of witnesses, a shadow that he left on the wall. All Hail to Edgar Allan Poe!!! Published by Reedsy Nov 5
- Affairs in Order: Follow Colin Tolbert and his quarter horse Maybelle as they make their way to the train depot where he will pick up the bodies of his brother and wife executed in the Cultural Revolution in China, but there is one unexpected parcel he will be presented with since he is a man who has managed to keep his affairs in order. Published in Reedsy in November 2022.
- Who's at the Door Mitchell? Mitchell is doing his homework when there is a knock at the door. When he answers it there is a dark skinned man asking for shelter in his family's barn. His mother is no happy about having Negroes on the run taking shelter in the barn, but the rain is heavy. Mitchell sneaks out and discovers the stranger is Robert Johnson.
- The Potato Eaters: Is fictional nonfiction about the final days in the life of Vincent van Gogh and the family inn where he meets a young girl who shares his whimsical spirit as he paints "Wheat Field with Crows" which could be his final piece. It does not attempt to solve any of the mysteries surrounding Vincent's death, but does add a layer of emotion that is often overlooked.
- Chapter Six from my book The Woman Who Made Tin Faces: Mindy's father passes away and Mindy turns to her wild side after she grieves and discovers her life is going to change forever.