As a military brat, Veterans Day is a bittersweet day for me. I grew up in the military, having instilled in me patriotism and a great respect for our men and women in uniform. My problem is that as a third culture kid, the military was my de facto home and I know longer have any ties beyond my memories to it. As a brat, there is no going home. Once you are no longer a dependent, you lose all ties to the only stable piece of your childhood that you had. I look wistfully at folks in uniform, feel a deep connection to their lives yet I am completely removed from it. This is why so many of my classmates either signed up themselves for a military career or are now military spouses.
When people ask the question, "Where are you from?" I now can answer I live in Baton Rouge. Not really the direct answer to the question. I am not from anywhere. I grew up in a bizarre world that only a few folks can really understand. My eyes light up when I see a military base. I am not allowed on it, yet I want so much to walk around, see the familiar sights, hear the familiar sounds... there is nothing like waking up to Reveille or pulling your car over and standing up for Taps at the end of the day. These rituals I miss.
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2 comments:
You said it for me. Thank you. I, too feel those memories at times that surprise me.
Leslie
I too feel the same way, although my parents have been living on a military base to this day. So when I go home, I am still around it. My Father's current and probably last assignment is JROTC commander at Seoul American. Although I've served and still feel most comfortable on a military base, I know my life and experiences have grown beyond the confines of the wall.
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