Remembering Our Military and Their Families at Christmas
Some of the vivid memories of my 26 years in the Army are the times I was deployed with my brothers and sisters in uniform over the Christmas holiday. Whether it is Christmas, Hanukkah, birthdays, anniversaries, high school graduations—there are simply many times in military service when you are absent from significant celebrations with your family. It is part of the price of serving your country in uniform. It is a cost borne by military families, too. For those who have never served, it might be a surprise at how common significant separations are for those in uniform.
What is also interesting is the reaction of most service members to this reality. It is the Christmas season. Even though most of the thousands of our troops who were deployed to combat zones are no longer there this year, we realize that there are still thousands more deployed all around the world, away from their families. Some of those are actually still in dangerous situations, others not as much. However, they are all away from their families and loved ones while we are home. During this holy season, we remember our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who—as we celebrate with friends and family—are away from their friends and their families.
Upon recollection, it is also interesting to see how service members act and react to times of family separation, especially at Christmas. Naturally, there are feelings of homesickness and wishing they were with the ones they love. On the other hand, I also remember the camaraderie and the attempts to encourage fellow soldiers with whom I was deployed. During days like these, humor, Christmas parties on a smaller scale, jokes, and laughter are the ways young men and women help each other while serving around the world. When they are separated during special days like Christmas, there is a bond that binds people in uniform together. There is this shared sentiment that permeates the ranks of those who serve our country that is touching and unapologetically selfless and patriotic. It is moving to witness.
Members of the American military are incredibly creative—wherever they are—in finding ways to make the best of challenging situations. Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) can actually be made into Christmas feasts. I have seen Christmas trees spring up around tents in the desert, though they might look nothing like the Christmas trees we have back home. I have a particularly moving memory of being with over 100 soldiers in the desert some years ago over Christmas. We sat down and with a good recording produced our own “Sing-Along Messiah.” The books with the words and music were graciously donated by a church back home. My fellow soldiers of all ages and ranks spent Christmas Eve in a tent singing Handel’s Messiah as part of our Christmas celebration. It is something I will never forget.
What I also remember is there was virtually no complaining about being separated during holidays like this—at least nothing more than the grumbling that all service members seem to enjoy from time to time. Loneliness? Sadness at times? Wishing one was home? Of course. But there was also a certain discipline and commitment to God and country that is part of the warp and woof of most people who serve in the military. On holidays like Christmas, when they are separated from their loved ones, they are very creative in celebrating and helping each other cope. Care packages from home (so very important) are shared by everyone. The Department of Defense does a good job most of the time in providing special meals during times like Thanksgiving and Christmas. But, either way, soldiers always find ways to celebrate. Always.
Members of the American military—like most Americans—are incredibly generous and compassionate. In whatever country of the world they might be serving, U.S. service members reach out to the local communities. I have indelible memories of soldiers in South Korea who, during the Christmas holiday, made it a point to collect toys for the numerous orphanages in that country. And they use holidays like this to help those in need who are less fortunate than themselves. It seems to be part of the makeup of the United States military. They are givers, protectors. And they share their lives with others, almost without thinking, in much the same way as they are willing to give their lives for others. Think of the brave 13 men and women in uniform who died at the Abbey Gate in the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
So, during this time of celebration, as we are at home and with our loved ones, be assured: There are U.S. service members all over the world who share with us the significance of this season. It is a beautiful testament to the generosity of America, but even more so, to the generosity and compassion of those who have sworn to protect our country.
At the American Center for Law and Justice, we have a long history of standing up for the men and women in the United States military. It is part of the sacred commitment of the ACLJ. During this holiday season, remember those in uniform and pray for them.
