President Donald Trump recently proclaimed November 2017 as National Veterans and Military Families Month.

Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is the time American people nationally thank veterans for their courage, sacrifices and years of service.

Trump’s proclamation begins: “During National Veterans and Military Families Month, we honor the significant contributions made by American service members, their families and their loved ones.

“We set aside this month surrounding Veterans Day to hold observances around the country to honor and thank those whose service and sacrifice represent the very best of America.

“We renew our nation’s commitment to support veterans and military families. They deserve it.”

As I read the proclamation, I recalled the May 2014 episode of the television show “Jesse” titled “From the White House to Our House” in which former First Lady Michelle Obama made a guest appearance.

In this episode, Jesse, played by Debby Ryan, and Zuri Ross, played by Skai Jackson, ask the First Lady for help to surprise a young girl, Taylor Harris, played by Kyla Drew Simmons, with a visit from her mother, Sgt. Harris, who is stationed overseas on her daughter’s 10th birthday.

Sgt. Harris is played by Yvette Saunders.

In the show, Taylor thanks Michelle Obama for bringing home her mother.

“No, Taylor, thank you,” the First Lady replies. “You see, both the president (Barack Obama) and I know how much you and all our military children do for our country.

“See, by staying strong, helping out around the house and supporting your mom from here at home, both you and your grandmother (played by Vernee Watson-Johnson) are serving our country just as much as your mom is.”

As the child of a civilian employee with the military and having been raised on several military bases the first six years of my life, I can’t help but think about the sacrifices the families of our military have to make.

Children often have trouble making friends because the families move a lot. One or both of their parents may be absent from their everyday lives and on special occasions.

Even worse is when the child of the member of the military needs to adjust to a severely wounded parent or one killed in war.

So this year, let us not only say thank you to the veterans for their service, but let’s remember their families who also make sacrifices on behalf of our country.

Susan Bryant

editorial assistant

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press