Base Business

It is hard to see in the photo, but we had helicopter maneuvers over all day...from the base on Coronado to the ships out in the bay.  They were sure cool to watch...but sooner than later you just heard their noise and kept on playing.

And here, below--right in the middle, just barely above the treeline--is some kind of bomber coming in.  There was a sign as you drove to the beach-front parking area that read "Caution: Yield to Low Flying Aircraft".  Indeed, they came in low.  The landing strip was just the other side of the trees. 

And at one point, I heard what sounded like a jet dragster coming to the line.  But it wasn't a dragster...it was an actual jet.  Brenda said it was an F-16 and that they lift off from there once a day or so too.  Seeing as we were just down the freeway from Miramar (the base made famous in the movie Top Gun) it wasn't really a surprise that the "big boys" popped over once in a while.  I never got a shot of them, though.  But they sure sound cool.

When we stay on the Navy Base, I guess we can't really expect any less.

Another Note from the South

Another thing I notice from our visit to the south lands, was the amazing;y patriotic response to service men and women who were traveling through  Granted we were only in two airports besides our own, but Atlanta's airport has a beautiful tradition of bystanders standing and clapping as soldiers and airmen walk off a plane.  There is a big banner hanging across the main entrance way from the gates that welcomes them home, and expresses gratitude and appreciation.

Why can't more places do that kind of thing?

I got a little chocked up when I realized what the spontaneous applause was after hearing it a few times.  Soldiers in fatigues traveling home fro the holidays, maybe, receiving a nation's gratitude and thanks.  That is terrific.

In Orlando I saw a young woman, also in fatigues, saying goodbye to her family--whether after a holiday visit or just being deployed I couldn't tell.  It was heart breaking.  And awe-inspiring at the same time.

Thank heavens for those who are willing to serve, and willing to leave their families for the sake of a sometimes ungrateful nation.  We need to do better to say Thank You to these fine men and women.

Patriotism is alive and well in the Orlando and Atlanta airports.  And it was reawakened in my heart on this trip too.

Memorial Day

Living, as we do, near the city's cemetery gives me an up close and personal view of the manner in which people commemorate the holiday.  I love to see the flags circling the cemetery borders and the smaller flags on the veterans' graves.  But I also recognized this year that I surely take a lot of their sacrifices for granted.  Even as mindful as I like to imagine myself, there are always going to be days when the hard work, the years of service, the determination, and the ultimate sacrifices of others slips to the far corners of my mind.  And I take it all for granted.

For that reason, among others, I am grateful for the days set aside for remembering, and honoring those who have given their all for this blessed and beloved country of ours.  Because even when i forget the details of the sacrifices of others, I do retain a deep gratitude for the blessings of living here, and being an American.

Eleventh Day, Eleventh Month

11) Today I am grateful for everyone who has ever worn the uniform of the US Military. It is Veteran's Day today, and sadly, this is a woefully under emphasized holiday. There have been too few expressions of gratitude to these men and women. There is too little respect offered to them, despite their efforts, sacrifice and dedication.

I am grateful for those willing to serve without being compelled. Those that feel in their soul a sense of duty to their country. Those that answer that duty call with optimism and hope.

My world is a better place because of the work, tears, blood and lives given by veterans from across the country and over the years. And today, particularly, I am very grateful for them.