We all have different ideas that consist of the qualities we use to identify a “hero,” in our lives. For many in society, their heroes are sports figures, politicians, religious figures, or other people that wind up in the news and are locally, nationally, or internationally recognizable.
I am always on the lookout for, “unsung,” heroes – those people who may be quietly living their lives, doing what they need to do, with little to no recognition. And, unlike many other people, I may be willing to consider someone younger that I, and perhaps more “inexperienced,” in a way, as a hero.
April 1st kicks off the month where some of my favorite, most celebrated heroes are recognized. They may not be recognized by a large segment of society, but it’s because they don’t ask to be recognized. Instead, they go about their lives, continuing to live life as they struggle and cope with unique situations that only others in their community would truly recognize or understand.
My heroes aren’t chosen because of the good they do for others, or because of the multimillion dollars they may bring home. They aren’t chosen because of the promises they make and keep.
Instead, they are chosen for simply being a small element of society that watches as a parent leaves for an untold amount of time; they are a subculture of our society that pick up and move all around the world at a moment’s notice – sometimes multiple times in multiple years. These heroes don’t talk about their sacrifices of Daddy or Mommy being away, sometimes for a year (if not more, in some cases), and some of them may not even recognize themselves what a sacrifice they, and their family, make on a yearly basis.
April is the, “Month of the Military Child.” And, military brats (the origin of that term is British Regimental Attached Traveler, not the civilian definition of “brat”) are, quite simply, some of my heroes. Their resiliency and courage is inspiring.
Last year, I wrote a completely heart-felt letter to my son, and other military brats, which you can read at my first blog site.
Please take a moment to thank a military brat in your life this month. Let’s all remember to wear purple to recognize this 2% of the population.
Finally, please remember those Gold Star brats who have lost their service member parent, in your prayers. Those service members made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of this country’s freedoms, and their children miss out on knowing their parent because of that selfless sacrifice.
Happy Month of the Military Child!
