Hurricane season is still churning out hurricanes, the election is dragging on for days and mask wearing and social distancing seems like they are here to stay. My guess is that 2020 has been so strange that it is not surprising people are grasping at anything that might seem magical and normal. I see businesses and houses pulling out Christmas decorations and skipping November. There are two holidays in November I’m not willing to skip or overlook. Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving are still going to be honored at my home.
2020 has brought change. One thing, for me that hasn’t changed is my love for America. I joined the Army and headed for boot camp two weeks after graduating from high school. I had three main reasons for signing up with Uncle Sam. First, I probably watched too much of the TV show M.A.S.H. and had always wanted roll up my sleeves and wear the Army green. Second, I wanted money for college but wasn’t ready to decide what my major was going to be; but mostly, I genuinely believe that being an American is an awesome privilege and serving in the military felt like a great way to show my respect and love for my country.
Victory Gardens first started during the first World War, where rations had to be saved for the Military. At first, it was a patriotic act – a way to relieve government spending. Now, it has evolved to be a symbol for self-sufficiency, community, and mental wellbeing.
Think of the times you can express yourself freely, access information, to vote your choice, to attain education, and even live comfortably with food and shelter. I’m thankful that I, as a woman, am allowed to buy property, vote, get an education, and live independently. Unfortunately, there are many countries in which women, along with oppressed races and religions, are victims of oppression and genocide.
I served in the Army for 8 years and my husband served for 23 years. We lived overseas twice – in Okinawa, Japan and in Kitzingen, Germany. Both places were beautiful. I learned a lot from their culture and history. I did my best to love where I was but my heart was always longing to be back in America.
Our country provides us with unique freedoms. Loud voices, whether supporting or criticizing America, are allowed to shout (Along with the freedom to assemble, religious expression, and so much more). This liberty is because we possess the freedom of speech, which is protected by the Constitution – and fought for by our veterans.
If you haven’t watched Hamilton, the musical, I highly recommend it (although, they rap so fast that I had to put on the subtitles to understand some of it). It entertainingly reminds us that America has been worth fighting for from its inception. Americans have not always chosen the best ethical path, but we, as a country, have continue to grow and change and struggle with letting our citizens live passionately and pursuit their dreams.
This year America has had challenges. Our county seems to be almost evenly split by which direction we should go; but I don’t feel gratitude has a political party platform. Every person has something to be grateful for. Grateful members of society make the country and community surrounding them better. Building a garden is, in a way, an act of gratitude in itself. Our veterans fought to protect our country, which includes our backyards, windowsills, and porches. So, by using them to grow food, we are seizing freedoms our veterans fought for us to have.
It’s also why I like to see military communities be prosperous. Typically, a town surrounding a post, base or camp has a long history that can be learned from, improved on and turned into a place that blooms in diversity and creative attractions. A place where civilian and military families can thrive.
I salute our Military Veterans, Active Service Members, Reservists and National Guard on Veterans Day. I appreciate that the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines keep donning their uniforms and give selflessly to keep us with rights and freedoms that many people in the world are denied. Thank you for your service. Thank you for my freedoms that let me live a life of gratitude.
I hope you also take some time on November 11th to thank a vet.
Happy Planting!
DeeAnn
The Victory Garden Gal