Friday
Nov102006
Remembrance
Friday, November 10, 2006 at 10:08PM
I swore into the Reserves last year on November 10th. According to the 'rules', I'm not allowed to have my Distinctive Environmental Uniform (or DEU's), in other words, my dress uniform, until after one year of service.
Apart from the shock that I've been around a year today, it's been very disheartening to know that the rules will not be 'bent' to have allowed me to have my dress uniform before Remembrance Day. I will go to my second Remembrance Day ceremony as a Reservist without being able to participate. That I will be there as a bystander, again.
Especially this year, when I understand so much more what it really means and in some ways, how it feels to be a part of this group of people.
Past, present and future. My future.
Last night I went out for a jog and when I came home, there was a black garbage bag on my front step.
I thought it was the long jacket that my stepmother was lending me and lifting it I thought, "Shit, did the woman give me her whole wardrobe?"
Tossing it on the bed I opened it up to find it was full of dress uniform pieces, representing 22 years of service, begged for me from a retiring woman by one of the girls at the unit.
I get the feeling that the pieces that actually fit me are the ones from the beginning of this woman's career but regardless, after a day of hemming, ironing and lint-brushing, Carla stopped by with all the trade specific buttons and pins, as well as a pair of her boyfriend's gloves, that I needed to complete a full uniform.
Tomorrow, I will be marching as part of the unit at the cenotaph our unit is attached to. It was built in 1920 to honor the soldiers of WWI.
I don't have the words to tell you how proud I am to be able to.
Apart from the shock that I've been around a year today, it's been very disheartening to know that the rules will not be 'bent' to have allowed me to have my dress uniform before Remembrance Day. I will go to my second Remembrance Day ceremony as a Reservist without being able to participate. That I will be there as a bystander, again.
Especially this year, when I understand so much more what it really means and in some ways, how it feels to be a part of this group of people.
Past, present and future. My future.
Last night I went out for a jog and when I came home, there was a black garbage bag on my front step.
I thought it was the long jacket that my stepmother was lending me and lifting it I thought, "Shit, did the woman give me her whole wardrobe?"
Tossing it on the bed I opened it up to find it was full of dress uniform pieces, representing 22 years of service, begged for me from a retiring woman by one of the girls at the unit.
I get the feeling that the pieces that actually fit me are the ones from the beginning of this woman's career but regardless, after a day of hemming, ironing and lint-brushing, Carla stopped by with all the trade specific buttons and pins, as well as a pair of her boyfriend's gloves, that I needed to complete a full uniform.
Tomorrow, I will be marching as part of the unit at the cenotaph our unit is attached to. It was built in 1920 to honor the soldiers of WWI.
I don't have the words to tell you how proud I am to be able to.
Reader Comments (1)
Today, I witnessed the largest Veteran's Day parade I've ever seen along the streets of Boston. It was the most moving experience I can remember in a very long time, my emotions ran the gamut.
I thought about my son, entering the service in two short months, always and forever a member of a group I've always appreciated, although never really took time to fully understand. Until now. I do now get it. At least more than before, and I imagine I'll "get it" even more over the next few years.
So, I thought of him.
And I thought of you.
And I issued forth a prayer of grace and thanks, from the very depths of my heart.