To all the Veteran’s out there, Happy Veteran’s Day Week!! I hope you are celebrated with kindness and love. You sacrificed your youth for our safety and well being. Last night, in a little town East of me, we celebrated a group of heroes in a most wonderful way.
American small town living is something very special. When there is a celebration, the town’s folk know just how to do it up right. Last night, Veteran’s and their guests were invited to attend a dinner in their honor at a local golf course. Every seat was taken. The Veteran’s received their plated dinners at no cost. There were gifts for each one. The room was awash with red, white, and blue.
Everyone was dressed in their “Sunday-Go-To-Meet-n'” clothes. Beer and wine were provided at no charge. After finding a table, I started to make small talk with the kindest woman sitting next to me. She looked familiar. Her father was a 92 year old Marine Veteran who served in the Korean War. As we talked, she was so soft spoken and sweet, I was drawn to her even more. After talking a bit more, we discovered why.
It turns out she was the School Nurse, Miss Camille, from the last school at which I taught. The world is a funny place. I was supposed to sit on the seat right next to her. On the coldest of nights, finding myself in desperate need of a hug from an old friend, I became one of my 5th graders discussing private issues with the sweet school nurse. She was a welcome bit of warmth on a very cold desert night.
While catching up, uniformed men were talking quietly to her father. It seemed he was the oldest Marine at the dinner. Would he help with a ceremony after dinner? He agreed.
Taken from the program…
MARINE CAKE CUTTING CEREMONY
“Traditionally, regardless of location, Marines pause to observe the Marine’s birthday by sharing a cake and, usually, a holiday meal. A sword is used to cut the cake as a reminder that they are a band of warriors committed to carrying the sword so our nation may live in peace.
The first piece of cake is presented to the Guest of Honor. The second piece is presented to the oldest Marine in the command, signifying the honor and respect accorded to experience and seniority.
Symbolically, the eldest Marine present passes a piece of cake to the youngest Marine present, just as for years, experienced Marines have nurtured and led young Marines that will fill our ranks and renew our corps.
Although not all were Marines, they were all veterans who served and fought in wars past. This ceremony is held as a reminder that we, as a community, will never forget the sacrifices given for us to have the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Before dinner, I happened to spy another delightful person from my past. Teacher Gal taught 6th Grade in the room next to me for a year. We helped each other along the way. She was my Secret Santa Pal. It was the year she found out she had cancer. She was there that night in honor of her husband’s service. It was wonderful to exchange hugs and plan lunch in the near future. Just like that, two more girlfriends anchored me to the desert I love so much.
After dinner it was time for the cake cutting ceremony. With help, my heroic table mate made it to the front of the room. With more help, the cake was cut with a beautiful sword. The youngest Marine at the event was 22 years old. There they stood, the 92 year older and the 23 year younger, enjoying a cake layered in red, white, and blue. Everyone cried.
The dinner was a time to honor those humble men and women that’ve served our great country. Amazing citizens with even more amazing stories, we’re blessed that they were brave enough to serve and protect.
This week, thank a Veteran. Remember, freedom isn’t free, but comes at a very high price.