By Shane Svorec
When asked to write an article about bravery, I was conflicted, but not for the reasons one might think. When I think of bravery, I think of our courageous men and women who sacrifice daily to fulfill their commitment to defend our freedom, protect our nation’s interests, and uphold and defend our constitution. These hidden heroes of our country are often silent in their sacrifice, asking for no acknowledgment or appreciation. They are humble, dedicated, and disciplined and frequently do without while going above and beyond the call of duty.
Protecting air, land, and sea, less than one percent of our nation’s population is in the military. With a decline in military enrollment, those who choose to serve do so because they believe freedom is worth fighting for and our country is worth protecting. I have always had the utmost respect for our military, but when one of your own takes that oath, it hits home differently.
My daughter was a senior in high school when she enlisted. She always said she wanted to serve our country, but when she came home one day and announced she was “ready,” I took a deep breath, and my heart skipped a few beats. Wanting to attend college and earn her degree, her plans were temporarily on hold as she began preparing for boot camp and job training. My seventeen-year-old daughter left one week after high school graduation and turned eighteen while in boot camp. Her commitment to serve was unwavering, and her reason for joining was something she couldn’t explain; it was just something she said she had to do.
When the time came, we checked in for our flight and reported to the gate area as I gently carried the anchor I decorated for her graduation from boot camp (aka Pass-in-Review). It was here that I met them. Holding poster-sized pictures of their son in uniform, I was unprepared for the magnitude of our encounter or the impact our meeting would have on me. As we were flying to our daughter’s graduation, they were flying home after meeting with Congress, along with twelve other Gold Star Families who tragically lost their sons and daughters on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan. All of my excitement turned to tears as I imagined the heaviness of their loss, unending pain, and unspeakable grief. Looking at the pictures they proudly carried of their heroic son, Cpl. Daegan W. Page, and learning more about him and his life, I found myself bonded with people who were strangers just moments before. There were hugs and many tears.
I was an emotional wreck as we boarded the plane. I felt overwhelming sadness for the families who no longer get to hug their loved ones, a debt of gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and palpable fear for what could happen, especially in today’s climate. I felt guilty celebrating when someone else was grieving. My heart, in a million pieces, I vowed to share Daegan’s story, honor his life, and remember his sacrifice. Bravery.
We saw our daughter for a few short hours before she flew to her next base for job training. Visiting this base and others, I’ve seen bravery in action as young men and women in uniform dedicate their lives to serving our country. Rather than being home with family, going out with friends, or celebrating holidays with loved ones, they receive orders, take on missions, and give up their freedom to protect ours. Bravery.
Since becoming a military mom, I have been privy to things the general public doesn’t always see. I’ve seen the tired bodies, the tearful goodbyes, and the anxious waiting. I’ve watched loneliness set in and have prayed for their peace, comfort, and protection. Beginning their day on base to the sounds of “Reveille” and ending it with “Retreat,” I’ve seen their pride in our flag and the emotion in their eyes as Taps plays. I’ve witnessed their big and small sacrifices and observed their humility when someone thanks them for their service. I’ve overheard them minimize their contribution because of their position, rank, or type of service. I have seen them sitting in airports at many hours of the day and night, ready to go when and where they are called.
Whether serving on the front lines or holding the line back home, our men and women in uniform often say they aren’t doing anything special. I have yet to meet a military member who feels entirely worthy of the appreciation that is rightfully due to them. Bravery is observed in the actions of those who serve without expecting anything in return.
My daughter left home as a high school senior and returned as a service member in the U.S. Navy Reserve. You see, the conflict I felt about writing a piece about bravery is that our bravest don’t consider themselves brave. Whether part of the 1.29 million people serving as active-duty troops or the 767,238 as national guard/reserves, they are just doing their job—no thanks needed. Well, I respectfully disagree.
To all of our military members, past and present, your country sees and appreciates you. YOU are the definition of bravery, and we thank you for your sacrifice and remember and honor those who paid the ultimate price. This September 11th, may we never forget those who perished that fateful day and pray for all those who have stepped up to prevent it from happening again. We are the land of the free because of the brave.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shane Svorec is a Sales and Marketing Professional who, during Covid, pursued her long-time passion for writing, published her first book, and became an award-winning author. Her work includes Broken Little Believer: Finding Purpose in All the Pretty Painful Pieces and The Busy Bridge That Got Its Break. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, three children, and rescue pets.
