They Also Serve

23 Replies

The line “They also serve who only stand and wait” is a well-known quote from John Milton’s 1673 sonnet, On His Blindness. It means that everyone has a role in the world and performs a function, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

I have always thought of this line on Remembrance Day when I think of the families of the soldiers who have fought and died in faraway countries. Because I believe that they do serve, those who wait. Hopefully that waiting is not in vain but often it is. So, we honour the soldiers, the men and women who take up arms in our name in countries we really do not understand. We are peacekeepers and humanitarians to people we will probably never meet. People we love and cherish are standing for us on foreign ground. They have done it in years past, they are doing it now and they will do it in the future. They take on a challenge most of us do not have the courage for and they do it with pride.

There are more people here at home that have the same courage that soldiers do. We see them every day. They are willing to put their lives on the line to protect us. Firefighters rush into burning buildings to pull people out, to save them. Police officers take an oath to put their bodies in front of a bullet to protect us. They should be remembered. And not just on one day. Our soldiers, police officers, firefighters, doctors and nurses and others. These people know that their profession could be a risk, that it could come with fatalities. And yet they still take the time to learn to protect us. We must never forget them.

There is pride in my heart when I see our flag on the shoulders of their uniforms. There are tears in my eyes when I see their coffins brought home. But I recognize that there are others who are not soldiers that are also serving with little recognition. They wait and they hope and they pray. Sons and daughters, husbands, wives, friends. War changes them and war changes us. Do not forget those who stand and wait.

23 thoughts on “They Also Serve”

  1. Murphy's Law's avatarMurphy's Law

    A poignant and sobering tribute to all our heroes Pam. Sadly it’s true that we tend to forget the loved ones of those brave souls who stand up and fight for our freedom, past and present. And we often take our firefighters, police officers, first responders, doctors and nurses for granted as “just doing their job”.

    War definitely changes us all. We are immensely blessed to have all these brave folks who step up to the plate to keep us safe every single day. God bless them all.

    Ginger 🦋

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  7. Dan Antion's avatarDan Antion

    A very nice tribute and reminder that these things affect so many people/ People we’ll never hear about or only hear about in lines like “he/she leaves behind…” We need to remember them, and we need to find a way to stop the senseless wars and violence.

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  8. Mark Lanesbury's avatarMark Lanesbury

    I know we all don’t like wars Pam, but as you said, be it against others, viruses, accidents, fires or floods. We need them all, it is this life we live and they all step up to that plate and dare to go beyond their fears for others…so that we don’t have to. At the least a huge thanks for those that do, and even, if not more so, those left behind because of that. No greater sacrifice can one give than to save someone or the many. It is a very profound love, to give totally for that safety of another ❤️🙏

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  9. Jennie's avatarJennie

    My heart is full. I nodded my head throughout reading your post, because you are right. Our veterans are to be thanked and honored, and so are our firefighters, police officers, doctors, and nurses. Such a beautiful post, Pam. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

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