[Kat]
I got my copy of "My Hero: Military Kids Write About Their Moms and Dads" from St. Martin's Press. I immediately read the book.
I have to say, I am used to reading three hundred or more page tomes about war from the adult's point of view, but this was a great, refreshing and inspiring read. I have nieces and nephews who are the same ages as some of those who wrote pieces for the book. In many ways, their points of view are the same and, as they say, "out of the mouths of babes."
I found myself laughing, crying and sometimes bemused by the logic, pride, joy and sadness that these young people expressed for their parents and their service. Some focused on their parents' service and others saw their parents as they are: moms and dads who love them and who they love back. In all, you could tell that these parents should be equally proud because, they may not know it, but they have had a real and profound impact on their children. To quote George H. W. Bush, 41st President, in the forward:
This book is a wonderful way to honor these children, many of whom will likely one day wear the uniform of our Armed Forces', and their Parents. They make us proud to be Americans.
Let me quote some of my favorites:
My dad is an HMCS (Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman). Basically, everyone calls him Senior Chief Willis. He is currently and E8. (I, personally, am looking forward to a promotion of E9 so my family can obtain good parking.) He is ready to serve, anywhere, anytime. Although he does not fly around in a cape or wear his underwear outside of his pants, he does save a world - my world. - Jazzmine Willis, age 12
This one really got me. He talks about his dad in both the past and present tense. His dad taught him many things and left him with a real impression that will stay with him forever:
My dad is my hero because he was my dad. He took care of us before himself. He always played with all of us and he helped me in sports. He was busy in the Army but always made time to spend with our family. We shared a love and interest in collecting baseball cards. My dad taught me to respect people and encouraged me to do my best. My dad was also my hero because he was in the Army. He protected our country in Afghanistan. His men built a school for the children there and Dexter students sent books for them. My dad was killed in action in Afghanistan on October 31, 2006 by an IED. Now he is a war hero. - Aidon Sloan, age 11
Some get down to the important stuff:
My mom is my hero because she cooks for me so that I don't starve. She's nice to me and my friends too. She saves me because she is in the Air Force. - Hannah Dunks, age 7
The simplest explanation for "why we fight":
I am proud of my military dad because he fights for freedom and not for war. He is like a thick plate of armor protecting us. He is like a very bright night. My dad goes on long deployments. I miss him. When he went away he helped Iraq and other countries. I am proud of my dad because he seems like the bravest person ever to live. - Sean Callahan, age 7
A tribute to the durability and ingenuity of the military spouse/mom:
She cooks food every day. She helped me when I fell off my bike. Mom picked me up and carried me home. She wiped my sores and the blood and she put me in the tub. I felt happy. My mom knows how to hotwire a car. We were traveling to Alabama then we crashed and a wire fell out of place. She got out my dad's tools and she hotwired it and made it to Alabama. I felt good. I love my mom and have a good time with her! Her name is Tetra. - Butler Nicklus, age 7
The Next Greatest Generation:
Being in the military may be hard, but that all pays off when you know you are helping your country. She's kind, but doesn't give in, which builds a sturdy family. It's not the medals or even the uniform, it's how much you care and sacrifice. I know there are more parents out there who are unknown heroes; I hope to be one too. - Jessie Reeves, age 10
So, if you have a collection of "war books", I would recommend adding this to your collection. There is nothing more poignant, funny, or heartening that can fill you with pride and respect of both those who serve in the military and their families than this little gem. In fact, I think I'm going to put it on my desk at work so I can read it once in awhile for some inspiration as well as the occasional zing to remind me how important my job is comparatively speaking:
One important reason my dad is my hero is because he cooks. He is always very busy with meetings, blabbing and making speeches and getting to know the people in the office...
Anyway, grab up this book and make it part of your collection so you can have the best rounded view of war, sacrifice, service, duty, honor and patriotism. "My Hero: Military Kids Write About Their Moms and Dads" from St. Martin's Press.
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