So They Will Know

her·it·age: [her-i-tij] –noun
something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth; an inherited lot or portion: a heritage of poverty and suffering; a national heritage of honor, pride, and courage.


Today I went to an assembly at my children’s school. It was in honor of Veteran’s Day and in celebration of Oklahoma’s 100th birthday. Children, parents, teachers, and other school staff packed into the dark auditorium. The stage, lit only with a small circle of light, was decorated with the Stars and Stripes and flags of Oklahoma. Projected on each wall perpendicular to the stage was a large American Flag of light.

The assembly began with the presentation of the flag. The JROTC Color Guard marched up on the stage and we pledged allegiance to our flag. Children presented responses to questions they had asked current and former service men and women. The orchestra played “America the Beautiful,” followed by the band who played “Anchors Away” in honor of the guest speaker: a plucky 82 year old WWII veteran and 40 year Oklahoma educator. He spoke of the importance of education and military service. We saw a slide show of past and present wars, watched a touching video of Native America, and sang “Oklahoma” with the choir.

My eyes got misty off and on as I saw pictures of veterans and heard their words. Of course that is not uncommon for me--my eyes usually get watery during the pledge. I felt grateful to be there, grateful that my children were able to take part in the celebration and remembrance of our country’s hard working protectors. But of all that was said and done, I was the most moved when people all around the auditorium stood in acknowledgement of their service or a family member’s service. Looking around me, I could see a beautiful heritage passed through families within my United States, within my Oklahoma.

I wondered if my children know and can truly appreciate their heritage. They never met one of my grandfathers, as he died when I was only 10. I have a handful of memories of him. I can still hear his voice and his laugh. I can see him tower above me. He left a beautiful heritage for my family, but they will never know him. All they have from him is the legacy he passed to me. And so I question: What is my heritage? With what legacy will I leave my children? Before I can know that, I have to identify what legacy I want to leave. I have never served my country in the military, but I hope my children will understand honor, sacrifice, and service. I want them to see courage and determination, hard work and perseverance. I want them to honor the sacrifice of others and be full of patriotism. Beyond that, I also want to leave a legacy of love and compassion. I want give them a legacy of Christ and godliness.

Every day I wonder what I am teaching them. I wonder what they see in me. I hope they see not perfection, but one who admits her faults and strives to turn her weaknesses into strengths.

As we drove home from school, I told them about all of our family members who have served our country. We spoke of what a proud and beautiful heritage they have been given through military persons and non-military alike. I will continue to remind them so that they can pass the same beautiful stories, the same rich heritage to their children.


Our military heritage (in part):

Papa Joe
Army
WWI

Grandpa (Ralph Wright)
Navy
WWII

Grandaddy Downey
Army
WWII

Grandaddy Crow
Army
WWII

Joe Matt Macon
Coast Guard

Tiffany Amey
Army

Stephanie Soule
Army

Randall Wright
Air Force
Army
Iraq


Thank you.