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With gratitude profound
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 11:44AM 
Two months ago today, on Nine Eleven, my son was flying over hostile territory in the Middle East.
In his job as Boom Operator, on that day he refueled numbers of fighter jets whose crews were engaged in combat with the enemies of freedom.
The same thing is happening now, as we go about our various routines on this beautiful Veterans Day.
That's because the protectors of our liberties don't have the luxury of sleep or play.
Many of them function full-tilt in conditions that would make the rest of us sit down in the dirt and cry. They face mortal danger and do not retreat.
Nevertheless, on that day -- September 11, 2015 -- my son remembered to do something for his parents.
And I find what he did to be moving and meaningful, all the more because it's something I never expected.
He took the time and made the effort and spent the money to buy an American flag for us, and to fly it with him in the plane.
It's something they do and I'm sure I'd heard of it before, but when he presented his father and me with our flag, I was overwhelmed.
It is a fine, durable banner that we will enjoy for years. And it came with a special paper.
The Certificate of Authenticity reads:
This Flag was flown for
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Weber
The 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron flew this American flag on a KC-135R combat aerial refueling mission over hostile territory in support of Operation Inherent Resolve on 11 September 2015. This Flag represents the United States' dedication to the fight against terrorism and the vindication of thousands of people who perished in terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 11 September 2001. Let all who look upon this flag be reminded of the military men and women who maintain a steadfast devotion to protecting the freedoms that it represents.
"We will not tire; we will not falter; we will not fail; Peace and Freedom will Prevail" -- President George W. Bush, Sept, 2001
Our certificate was signed by Todd Bergeson, Lt Col, USAF, Aircraft Commander; Jason Harper, Capt, USAF, Co-Pilot; and Andrew Weber, SSgt, USAF, Boom Operator.
I meant to show you this when I wrote about Andrew's return home from his tour of duty a few weeks ago. And then I actually forgot.
When I remembered we would soon as a nation observe Veterans Day, I decided to save it.
And that is all for now except to say, if you walk free on the earth today, take a moment to thank a veteran.
God bless America and confound her enemies both foreign and domestic. Especially domestic.
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Happy Wednesday :: Happy Veterans Day
Reader Comments (5)
How proud you must be, I am and I only know him through you. Hug a Vet.
That is a treasure indeed, made all the more special because of the thoughtfulness of a special son. We have one from our Andy too - ours flew over his base in Afghanistan.
Please thank your Andrew for his service. We so appreciate heroes like him!
What a wonderful gift. I am so proud of Andrew and I know how proud you must be.
Oh Miss Jenny how Special is this???? What a wonderful son!
Our Tylar (Tims son) is crew chief flying C17s over Afghanistan right now...
I hate war....
May God Bless and keep them....
(((HUG)))
This made me cry.
So beautiful, Jenny.
xoxo