A Veterans Christmas Message

We are our fathers and mothers sons and daughters whom followed in their footsteps…..they served so we could witness to veteran’s sacrifices this very Holiday Season.   This holiday season is the ideal time to rededicate yourself to that principal for which will define you and your place symbolized in the Christmas wreath.

The poignant Christmas wreath symbolizes so much about who we are as an American people, galvanized by a common belief that we are always there for one another and our country in the pursuit truth, freedom and trust in Almighty God.  What a momentous time in history to be an American and citizen of this wonderful and blessed land, which requires our renewed dedication and fidelity of spirit as never before.  We remember, honor, teach and inform as veterans and strive to sustain what we do as a freedom loving peoples symbolized by the Christmas wreath.

As we gather over the twelve-days of Christmas to recall those veterans at rest whom reside in private and National Cemeteries, we also thank the nearly 775,000 of Georgia’s Veterans we are so  blessed to have amongst us.  Remembering those who fought for our freedoms is a window into our own futures because you too will be remembered for what you did for others in this life. So honor it well and in the words of my Father, whom was an Infantryman and prisoner of war in Stalag 7A, Mossberg Germany, “do something for someone each day”.

I want to share with you a moment in time in my life.  Twenty-four years ago on December 10, 1987, I was serving as an Infantry Commander in Schweinfurt Germany, the heart of American bombing of industrial World War II Germany.  Our first daughter was also born that year.  On that very evening a 92 year old man, whom reluctantly and gingerly held our first born daughter months earlier, remains in my memory.  This man had a tattoo on his foreman as he was consigned to Auschwitz concentration camp for extermination because he was a Jew.  I was fortunate to know him.  A man I remember because my father and your fathers, friends and relatives freed a People from tyranny.  He died that night after we looked into each others eyes for the last time as he was placed into an ambulance.  According to his wife, my daughter was the first American child he ever held.  So you see life is a miracle.  And what about tradition and symbolism in this story?   Well…the Circular shape of the wreath is a symbol of eternity and the evergreen color symbolizes hope and renewal. It is important to remember and renew our traditions because it tells us who we are and what we must do in maintaining or common defense and vigilance as a People so we know where we are headed.

Today marks nearly 86,000 days since the Declaration of Independence and the subsequent revolution that marked the birth of America and the unbroken chain of men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so others could be freed and as well born into freedom.  You may lament…Well, I am not a Veteran so I am not worthy……not so……when ever you honor a veteran, provide welcomed comfort, a kind word, visit a community assisted living Residence, processes a successful veterans claim, sustain veteran benefits as a public servant, collect donations for needy Veterans, serve a veteran as Business owner or employee, you are an honorary Veteran.  Hold your head high because those at rest and amongst us call out as of now and say “Thank You”……you are also remembered.

We will someday meet the unbroken chain of Hero’s.  Just take a moment……picture a Veteran whom you know.  Perhaps a husband, father, mother, sibling or neighbor….there…there they are in your memory…they are not forgotten.  The conversations of the battles or the service stories and family talks are fresh and real.

Yes, their memory cannot be extinguished because they are part of the unbroken ranks of the Army, Air force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. They are us and we are them.  We are all children waiting to be called home after our assigned mission is decided complete by the Heavenly Commander-in-Chief.

Merry Christmas and thank God for it!

Colonel Larry Mrozinski

Chairman, GAGOP Veterans Outreach