05/23/2026
A gold star Mom wrote this at the very beginning of the Iran conflict. I got upset because I felt it was demoralizing to the parents whose children, spouses etal were deployed . I felt to put fear into these people who loved ones were deployed was mean spirited ( it wasn’t ) and I got upset, but that would be me as you know. The words are important though they mean everything and I feel this weekend. It’s very important to hear from some who have lost so much.
Cathy Batten writes
“On March 19, 2003, U.S.forces carried out the first air strikes in Iraq.
I remember sitting in front of the TV watching this. At first, I was like AWESOME.......but the longer I watched it, the realization of what was really happening started to set in. I thought of many things, 9-11 being the forefront. Then, I thought of the innocent people in this town being bombed, that had nothing to do with politics. I thought of the small children being subjected to this and the horror they must be living thru. I thought of the mothers. Then, I thought of our troops. But back then, I could not comprehend the amount of damage that was just beginning. The beginning was just starting, for life altering situations, for ones that were yet to come. Now, years later, having seen with my own eyes, my own heart, the damage that war does and the damage that continues on....I will never again think AWESOME when something like this happens. I think of all the wounded warriors I have sat with. I think of some of the most precious moms that I have held while they cried tears for their sons they have lost. I think of the some of the warriors who were there and their blank eyes I have looked into......I will never think AWESOME. I was ignorant back then, oblivious to reality. My reality now, to always honor and remember those that charged forward because they were asked to. To always remember and never forget.”
