A time to reflect on our soldiers

A lady approached me in church before Veteran’s Day last year and asked if I thought that it was appropriate for her to stand when all the veterans were recognized who had served and gave themselves to their country. My answer was, “Of course, if anyone stands it should be you.”

  • BY Wire Service
  • Monday, May 25, 2009 1:34am
  • Opinion
From columnist Don Dinsmore: 'The boy flying this helicopter is one of the memories

From columnist Don Dinsmore: 'The boy flying this helicopter is one of the memories

From Kent veteran Don Dinsmore:

A lady approached me in church before Veteran’s Day last year and asked if I thought that it was appropriate for her to stand when all the veterans were recognized who had served and gave themselves to their country.

My answer was, “Of course, if anyone stands it should be you.”

Mary, a little, 85-year-old lady, is the first person whom I look for to spend a moment of appreciation every Sunday through the year. I try vicariously to feel the emotions that she must have felt the moment that the Army chaplain arrived at her home to inform her of the loss of her son in Vietnam.

My U.S. Marine Corps sons recently completed five tours in Iraq between the two of them. I must confess the stress of that can absorb a life for a parent. I can’t begin to imagine the emotions if that military vehicle had pulled up to my door.

Our nation has set a day apart for the remembrance of those who fought for our freedom and have not come home.

I think that it is a wonderful thing that we spend one day remembering and be thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, so that the rest of us can remain free.

We have parents in Kent whose loved ones didn’t come home. I can’t believe that their pain has ever gone away. Maybe we could cushion them a little by an appreciative hug or just thank you. If one is your neighbor, please do that for all of us.

I can’t begin to know how those feel, who have lost someone defending our freedom. I just know that when I go to the grocery store without fear of a bomb exploding it is because of their sacrifice. When I drive through Kent with normal safety that we all experience daily, it is because of a direct gift that they have given to each of us, by giving their lives.

They gave their comfort, they gave there hope for any future, and they gave to us all the life we experience daily.

We must remember. We must live for them – they paid for our success as Americans. We also must remember those loved ones whom they left behind. We owe them and their families so much.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Opinion

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Is the Northwest ready for our ‘Big One?’ | Brunell

When President Biden warned FEMA does not have enough money to finish… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
Combing through this current follicle challenge | Whale’s Tales

I feared the day when passersby on the streets would start in with, “Hey, get a look at Uncle Fester there!” or “What’s cookin’, Kojak?!”

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Thoughts on Memorial Day and the ultimate sacrifice | Brunell

On Memorial Day, we traditionally honor Americans in our military who gave… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
In search of fairness, morals and good sportsmanship | Whale’s Tales

Ah, the Golden Rule. We all know it: do unto others as… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
If you’re right, and you know it, then read this | Whale’s Tales

As the poet Theodore Roethke once wrote: “In a dark time the eye begins to see…”

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
The key thing is what we do with our imperfections | Whale’s Tales

I have said and done many things of which I am not proud. That is, I am no golden bird cheeping about human frailties from some high branch of superhuman understanding.

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@soundpublishing.com.
Grappling with the finality of an oncologist’s statement | Whale’s Tales

Perhaps my brain injected a bit of humor to cover the shock. But I felt the gut punch.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Legislature back in session next week | Cartoon

State lawmakers return Jan. 8 to Olympia.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Santa doesn’t drive a Kia | Cartoon

Cartoon by Frank Shiers.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Salute to veterans | Cartoon by Frank Shiers

On Veterans Day, honor those who served your country.

File photo
Why you should vote in the upcoming election | Guest column

When I ask my students when the next election is, frequently they will say “November 2024” or whichever presidential year is coming up next.