By: Melody Ann Wallace
With Halloween in the rearview and Veterans Day on the horizon, this is the perfect opportunity to share with our children the importance of those who serve and have served in the United States military. As we hang up and pack away the ice princess gowns and the superhero costumes, what better time to educate our children about who the real life superheroes are.
When preparing to discuss our military heroes with our children, one can’t help but think of Tommy and Cathy Mullins, who not only recognized these heroes in their home, but proudly raised two of their own. When Cathy was asked how she taught their children about pride and patriotism, she said that they just “came by it naturally.” All three children grew up with a father, a grandfather, and an uncle who served in the military. They also grew up across the street from the National Guard Armory in Ashland, Kentucky, where they “saw soldiers every day.” With little boys who were into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Superman, and Spiderman, it was important to Cathy that they teach their boys that those “in the military are our real life superheroes.”
Shaun and Brandon Mullins not only learned of these heroes, they transformed into them; while the Mullins’ daughter Bethany married a real life hero of her own. Tommy and Cathy’s oldest son Shaun is currently serving in the Army, their younger son Brandon gave his life in service to his country on August 25, 2011, and Bethany and their son-in-law Steven are currently stationed at Fort Campbell. With a family steeped in red, white, and blue, Cathy knows firsthand what military members and their families need to hear. She had this advice to offer concerning discussing Veterans Day with our children.
Memorial Day vs. Veteran’s Day
Most people often confuse these two holidays, or think of them interchangeably. In reality, the two are quite different. Memorial Day is a day that was created to remember the fallen and those who gave their lives for our beloved country. Cathy reminds us that this is a day to “cherish your family” and to be grateful for the sacrifices that others have made on your behalf. This is also a beautiful time of year to visit gravesites of grandparents and family members who have served our country in years past. Place flowers or patriotic decorations at the site together and explain to your child who you are visiting, what war they fought in, and how they continue to hold a special place in your heart.
Veterans Day, on the other hand, is a day to recognize all veterans. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, “Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime…and is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service and to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated.” This is a day that we should acknowledge and show our appreciation to anyone that we know that has ever proudly worn a uniform.
Beginning with the Familiar
Our children are usually enamored with the sight of a soldier in uniform. How powerful is it then to show them that there are people in their family, and right next door, that wore that uniform as well. Share with your child what particular branch of the military their parent or grandparent served in. Take the time to look through old pictures and allow them to call or visit to ask questions. For family members that live nearby, make sure that you are aware of when your child’s school is holding their annual Veterans Day assembly. Invite your veteran family member to accompany your child to school or, at the very least, send in a photo so that their service can be recognized. Even if there are no veterans in your family, make an effort to attend your child’s program, and encourage them to take a leadership role in the activities. Make sure to discuss the events of the program when they get home and answer any questions they might have.
Modeling an Attitude of Gratitude
Veterans Day is such a wonderful day to instill in your child a gracious heart and an attitude of servanthood. Cathy says that there are “a lot of different reasons that people join the military, but their primary reason is to serve others. They are volunteering their life” in service to their country. She says that this is the perfect day to say, “thank you,” to neighbors, uncles, and grandparents, or to buy them a cup of coffee in appreciation of their service.
Do not underestimate the value of a hand written thank you note. Break out the red, white, and blue paints, markers, and craft supplies and discuss the various pictures and symbols that represent the military and our veterans. Create heartfelt cards for family members, teachers, or neighbors that your child can deliver personally or place in the mail. If you do not have any family members that have served, cards are more than welcome at the Owensboro Veterans Clinic. Just think of how much brighter someone’s day will be when they visit the clinic for a routine or sick appointment and are greeted by a handmade card of appreciation from your child.
Showing Up in Support
Cathy Mullins is a proud member of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., a prestigious group of women who share the common bond of having a child who lost their life in service to their country. They are an organization that “turns grief into service…by helping veterans who are still living.” You can support this meaningful organization by participating in the Kentucky Remembers 5K on Saturday, November 8.
Terry Mathis, commander of the Owensboro American Legion, says that the best thing that we can do for our veterans locally is to actually come out to the Veterans Day parade and show our support. Mathis says that, “Just the fact that people know they (the veterans) are there…shows that they haven’t been forgotten.”
If you and your family would like to write notes of thanks to Owensboro veterans, please drop them off at the Owensboro VA Clinic no later than Monday, November 10, 2014.
Veterans Clinic
3400 New Hartford Rd
Owensboro, KY
(270) 684-5034
If you would like to support the Gold Star Mothers by signing up for the Kentucky Remembers 5K race please visit http://www.doactivities.com/owensboro5kraces/. The race begins at 8 a.m. at Smothers Park and the cost of registration is $30.
The Veterans Day parade will take place on November 8, at 2 p.m. It will begin at East 2nd and Clay Streets, will travel west on 2nd, and end at Frederica Street. Wear your red, white, and blue and come out and show your support for our community’s heroes.