Sarah Remembers Growing Up As An Army Brat [VIDEO]

On Veteran's Day, I find myself thinking about the veterans around me and the sacrifices they made...the sacrifices their families made. I grew up an Army Brat. I was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1979. We lived there until 1993. I went to school on base. One thing that was instilled into me at a very young age was patriotism. To a degree, I don't think kids today truly understand.

Because of this exposure, I have developed a love for my country that truly is lacking in most today. One memory that stands out most for me is the sounds from the Reveille and Retreat ceremonies each day. If you were in ear shot of the ceremony, you stopped what you were doing and you faced the flag with respect...even the kids. It was a moment of silence as your reflected on the love you have for your country.

I found a video, recently, of kids playing on a playground when they suddenly hear the Retreat ceremony. Their reaction is beautiful to watch and is exactly what my childhood was like. That sound usually meant it was time to for me to go home and 'check in' with mom.