Veterans Day 2007







I'm sitting in my comfortable office in my comfortable home, in my comfortable, quiet neighborhood, in a state and country that respects me and my opinion and allows me to live freely, voicing my opinions as I like, whether or not those opinions agree or collide with the majority or the governing body. And I do this during a time of war, not peace. How is this possible? In a world where there is so much grief and strife, how is it that I can live such a comfortable existence, especially when our country is in the middle of a war, the loss of which would mean the annihilation of this type of existence?

The answer is our Armed Forces. It always has been. The men and women, who for over 231 years have put their lives on the line for the rest of us. From the men at Valley Forge to the men in Iraq, I owe gratitude. To every person who has ever served in the United States Armed Forces, I thank you. Your country thanks you. And to the men and women serving today in the War Against Terrorism, a special Thank You for every moment that you have sacrificed away from your family and loved ones, ensuring that our way of life will continue for future generations.

Please, in your travels about town today, stop and shake the hand of every veteran you see. If in doubt, ask. Many will quietly or shyly tell you yes, he is a veteran of Vietnam, or Korea, or WWII, or Afghanistan, or Desert Storm, or Iraq. Sadly, many may also tell you that you are the first to thank him for his service. Some will tell you they did not serve during a time of war, but they served nevertheless, and stood ready to go into combat for our freedom, and for this they are just as great a Hero in my book.

If you would like to learn about the history of Veterans Day and its meaning, please visit this website:

http://www.emotionscards.com/trivia/fourthofjuly/veteransday.html

Turn up your speakers, and prepare to be humbled.
Thank you, Veterans. Not only today, but every day.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Dear Susan,

As the daughter of one veteran, the mother of another, and the mother of an active soldier, thank you very much for the beautiful post. Our Memorial Day is a different day on the calendar -- but the necessity to remember is timeless. Your suggestion to seek out veterans and thank them -- was profound and I hope many take you up on it. I am sure the experience will only enrich their lives.
Sunday, November 11, 2007 12:40:00 AM
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