Thoughts from a New Army Mom
Copyright 2001 by Yvonne Quarles

Written on September 14, 2001

On September 10, 2001 my 17 year old son was sworn into the Army.   His dad and I signed the forms for him to enlist.  He had wanted to do this for some time.  We felt in our hearts that this would give him focus and direction.  He is smart and talented and any teenage confusion he had at times seemed to disappear when he was sworn in.

The Army teaches wonderful values------loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.   Even though my son  is a great kid, he can still learn a lot about these values, as I'm sure most of us could.  My son leaves for boot camp on September 19th, 2001.  I know he leaves here a boy, but will come back home a stronger  and more confident man.

On September 11th, 2001, the day after he enlisted, the terrible attack on the  World Trade Center,  the Pentagon and us took place.  As Americans we all mourn.  As Americans we all weep.  Of course I knew when he enlisted that there was a chance he would have to go defend our country, but I didn't expect this event the very next day.    

He along with many other young men and women have pledged to defend this country.   I watched so many young people at the Military Enlistment Processing  Station last week enlisting and getting sworn into the various branches
of service.   Service...that is exactly what it is.   This great
country is free because of people like all of them, and like
my father, my husband and now my son.  

What can we do here at home as individuals?   We can continue to wave our flags high, be devoted to the values I spoke of and never forget that freedom is not free.  Do not take our freedoms for granted.  Give money to the Red Cross and other organizations.  Give blood when and if you can.  Give of yourself.  Continue to be the great nation we have become.  Support your community, church and schools.  Hug your children and families today and every day.  Teach your children patriotism.  Help make your little corner of the world a better place.  If we continue to have strong families then our country will continue to be strong.

My son and many others like him have pledged to defend this country, so I feel we should do our best to keep believing  as they do.  Continue being a great nation and stand up proudly as Americans.

Give your support, live the American values and vow to do no less.

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Written by Yvonne Quarles