JOURNEYS
Humbled by Appreciation
The people of South Florida honor the American naval personnel with a week-long celebration that displays the essence of nationa
- Adam R. Cole // May 4, 2009
Entering into Port Everglades for what was a splendid week to come. © Adam R. Cole 2009
Getting a unique chance to give back to the smiling faces of school children. © Adam R. Cole 2009
The essence of gratitude and experiencing that gratitude (firsthand) is not always an everyday thing. Some go for long spurts, even a lifetime without someone bestowing that gratitude on them for a job well done.
In the armed services, that gratitude is always apparent but not readily felt due to the nature of our ‘work,’ which often takes us places away from the ones—fellow Americans—who appreciate most what we do.
This past week, thanks to a special week called Fleet Week, I was able to experience that gratitude and take hold of it fully in my heart.
Endless “thank you’s,” gestures of buying a meal, and parties in our honor, were just a sample of the gratitude. Though having someone pick up the tab for your dinner is a treat, gratitude was best felt in the casual conversations, where people opened up their heart, and shared just how much they wanted to be in their shoes but couldn’t or humbly admitted they could never walk in our shoes.
Military service, in general, is not difficult—it’s not rocket science. And for the Navy, it doesn’t mean going in harm’s way. But it can be strenuous and force one to make life choices and miss life moments—like seeing the firstborn take first steps.
We, as Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen, don’t have a self-pride about what we do, don’t see ourselves as protecting freedom and democracy. We just go where we’re called to go and do what we’re called to do, sometimes (admittingly) grumbling a little bit along the way, but nonetheless, achieving mission accomplishment through and through.
The very best moments this week were the ones that brought us up close and personal with the community, the everyday people, the ones that are trying to do their mission as best they can as well. We visited a school, a children’s hospital, and helped build a garden for a mentally disabled support site. Of those, the school was a true pleasure, as we were treated like heroes—and had swarms of kids run up to us in the cafeteria for our autographs.
Tours were given out on the ship to an endless array of folks, many of them former military service men. Stories exchanged touched the heart, just knowing that the idea of service then—to dedicate one’s life to a national mission—was the same then as it is now.
Pulling away from port at the end of the week, we returned to Navy operations, back to the pressures and the need to perform that defines our jobs, and perhaps why others give us gratitude. We sail now with the mind set on completing the task at hand but also with the appreciation of South Floridians and the rest of America soundly in our hearts.