"Go on with your normal day." That's what we were told to do on this 10th anniversary of 9/11.  So I went for a run, practiced the piano, and cleaned the kitchen. I went to the grocery store, took a nap, and did laundry.  I walked to and from the laundry room, white basket balanced on my hip, held steady with my right arm. And with every airplane that flew overhead, I couldn't help but look up. I did my best to suppress the paranoia that no doubt crept over the majority of New Jersey and New York. Neck craned and imagination running wild, I followed the jet soaring above that was no larger than a dot in the sky. It glided from one horizon to the other, momentarily being eclipsed by a tree branch that arched overhead. It was then I noticed a birds nest I'd never before seen, tucked firmly within the sturdy limbs of the mighty tree. I wondered what birds had hatched and lived within the woven walls of twigs and leaves. "They're safe up there," I thoug...

I wrote this short poem after reading a friend's facebook status. A Soldier herself, she is visiting D.C and typed this: Unforgettable Moment: At the Vietnam Memorial watching a man touch his battle buddy's name while his hand shakes and says "There he is..." ~~ "What Raises a Hand?" By Elizabeth Grimes What is it that compels a hand,  To voluntarily raise, And say "I will go and sacrifice,"  With no reward or praise? Perhaps it is also what,  (Once the uniform is donned), Raises the soldier's hand in salute,  Executing above and beyond. It must be what I feel,  When I hear "O say can you see." My hand is pulled to my heart,  Out of unwavering loyalty. The same sentiment I saw, When at a wall of stone. He raised his hand to touch a name. And said, "My friend, you're never gone." "Vietnam Reflections" by Lee Teter

Today is Flag Day, as well as the birthday of the U.S. Army. I found this pencil drawing that I did back in high school, the date on the back is February 12, 2001 (thanks mom for keeping all my old crap and forcing me to take it back someday). I drew this before thoughts of serving in the Army ever entered my mind, but love of country was always there. I like to draw, though I've never done anything more ambitious than simple pencil drawings like this one. I also recall looking off a picture out of a magazine to guide me, but I can't remember the original artist (so if anyone out there knows...). I think it was originally a painting, and the ladies were inside a cabin of some sort. Betsy Ross helped during the American Revolutionary War to repair uniforms and make tents for the Continental Army. She is credited with creating the first American Flag. Even at a very young age, I remember feeling very proud to see and hear about a woman who contributed so much to history, and a...

I've said before that my  Grandma  is the most patriotic person I know. Her family, from Mexico, consisted of her mother raising 10 children alone. And though she is full blooded Mexican, her heart completely belongs to the United States. She is the most appreciative supporter of the military I have ever met. And so for today's post, I turned to one of her many writings to share. She wrote this for her Writer's Group with Betsy Ross and the first hand-stitched flag as her inspiration. "Red White and Blue"  by Mary M. Valencia 10/13/2009 Ripples high Red, White, and Blue Sounds of freedom alerts us to A Nation's fighting battle cry Amongst the density she flies high. Forward rushing 3,000 men Grimace boldly to defend. Battles fought on common soil Where once'st with brother they did toil. The promise of a new tomorrow Bodies buried lessen the sorrow. Atrocious battle has been fought Unmeasured calmness now is sought. Forward proudly in the lead Fife and d...

Today is the birthday of my friend, Kevin Gaspers. I've mentioned him several times before: If I Die Before You Wake The Eleventh Hour He was my friend and fellow soldier. We went through college and ROTC together, then were both stationed at Fort Bragg. I have many fond memories of school, dancing, we even had the same birthday. :) So it's easy for me to remember him. Not that I could ever forget. He was killed in Iraq on April 23, 2007. My  Grandma Valencia wrote this poem  in his honor. It brings a tear to my eye each time I read it. He would be 30 today. Happy birthday, Kevin. We will never forget. "1LT Kevin Gaspers" By  Mary M. Valencia 4/ 25/2007   Have you named your star in heaven? There’s one there close to us for Kevin. Look! Up above, the first star of the night, this clear night reveals the multitude, so bright. ‘Twas once a twinkle in an eye,   groomed, then zoomed to heights, the sky. Never a stranger to the world below, we knew this yo...

My Great-Grandma (top right) and 9 of her 10 children “It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man [or woman] stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, [s]he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” -Robert Francis Kennedy I watched a single rain droplet slide off an orange leaf, and into a giant puddle that formed on the sidewalk. The puddle flowed into a crevice in the pavement and created a stream of rainwater that made its way down a muddy hill and trickled into a creek below. I watched the waves and ripples spread like an outstretched hand until I lost track of which one came from where. I wonder if that first drop knew what it would become a part of. My maternal grandmother is the most patriotic person I’ve ever known. She is the human embodiment of yellow ribbons, American flags, military parades, and Ray Charles singing “America the Beautiful.” Though ...

The Veterans Day Parade, NYC On July 29, 2001 , five exceptional men were honored by the President of the United States for their remarkable military service. They were involved in a top secret mission that required unfathomable intelligence and as a result, literally won a battle which was instrumental in winning the war. Not the war that was happening in 2001, not even the Gulf War. It was World War II, and they were the Navajo Code Talkers who were largely responsible for winning the bloody battle of Okinawa. The only problem with the ceremony was that just 5 remained of the original 29. Our country was too late in thanking the other 24, and nearly too late in thanking those 5 men. On March 10, 2010, three hundred women won the Congressional Gold medal for their outstanding war service. Unfortunately, 800 received the award posthumously. These were the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II, who devoted themselves to flying military aircraft like the B-26 and B-...

Today I went to the Statue of Liberty for the 4th time in less than a year. My best friend, Deb is in town and it was number one on our list of touristy things to do in the city. I recalled my first trip to Lady Liberty and the wonder, amazement, and majesty I felt in its presence. But somehow, after a few more trips, hours of standing in line, boarding and exiting the crowded ferry, and countless aching muscles, the thrill has begun to dwindle. Regardless, it's impossible not to feel some sort of twinge of excitement and curiosity at the Ellis Island Museum when gazing upon the old, blown-up, black and white photos of past immigrants traveling to their new home. On our final ferry ride back to New Jersey, I was amused by the little girl seated in front of us. She was maybe 4 or 5. I couldn't pinpoint the foreign dialect of her or her parents, but I guessed it was an Eastern European language of some kind. Despite the long tiring day the little girl no doubt experienced, she ...