It’s Memorial Day; a day for remembering those who have died while serving in the US Armed Forces. I didn’t grow up in a military family, although my father was in Civil Service for 40 years. When I was 22 I moved to a military base in Germany, where I acquired gainful employment and enrolled in college. I remained tightly associated with the military for the next 21 years. Wow, did this change my perspective about those who serve! I am in awe and so very, very thankful for those who answer the calling to serve our country.
I lost friends to battles, and I make a point of reflecting on them each Memorial Day. I’ve visited Arlington National Cemetery and had the eerie and yet peaceful heaviness descend upon me as I observed ceremonies for soldiers I didn’t know. I’ve donned helmet and Kevlar and flown into Bosnia where I observed hundreds of soldiers living without modern conveniences and very little privacy because they were on a mission; a mission they may not return from. They are all very special people. I think about them too.
Prior to my close association with the US Armed Forces, when I choose a book to read purely for pleasure, I tended to navigate toward the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres, but during and after my association with the military, my tastes turned to historical and military fiction novels. I love a well-written book I can read that has the entertainment value of fiction combined with the historical basis that I can learn from. Many of the novels I read really drive home the statement that, “Freedom isn’t free.”
Maybe some of you have a story to share about a soldier you loved and lost. Consider presenting the story as fiction based on a true-story. Self-publishing can help you honor that special person and share their story with the world.
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ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path. |
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