“The largest schematic element in the military is their love for each other.” These are the words of Richard Barbato, a U.S. Army veteran and Experience Officer with VHA Readjustment Counseling service. 

We have heard that sentiment from so many of the veterans and families we encounter daily while carrying out the Wreaths Across America mission, and it validates the importance of the second lesson in our Live with Purpose education series.

As a civilian who has never been in harm’s way, it is difficult to understand the unique relationship that those in the military share. After some research, I found this paragraph by Stephen E. Ambrose, Band of Brothers, E Company. “The result of these shared experiences was a closeness unknown to all outsiders. Comrades are closer than friends, closer than brothers…Their trust in, and knowledge of, each other is total. They got to know each other’s life stories, what they did before they came into the [military], where and why they volunteered, what they liked to eat and drink, and what their capabilities were. On a night march, they would hear a cough and know who it was; on a night maneuver, they would see someone sneaking through the woods and know who it was from his silhouette.”

So, the question is, how can we support the veteran community as they transition from service to civilian life, and how can we emulate their selflessness for the betterment of our future? Finding common ground with our neighbors and communities and striving to teach our children through example, respect, responsibility and love for one another is a good start.

Let us work to show those who bonded in service to fight for our freedom that we can bond in the nurturing of that freedom.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 

With gratitude,
Karen Worcester