esterday, we celebrated our veterans. It was a day marked by parades and ceremonies, handshakes and salutes. For most of us (myself included), it was little more than a post on Facebook.
My grandfather was Army, my dad, National Guard; I have a cousin who served in the Navy and one who’s a Marine. I’ve worked alongside men and women from all branches of the military. A couple of the finest gentlemen I know are WWII veterans. They are but a speck in a sea of names and faces . . .
Boys who would become old beyond their years.
Black men and Japanese men who gave all to a country who gave nothing in return.
Men and women who endured physical and emotional strains of training.
Then stood faithful–whether pushing paper or fighting on the front lines.
They missed holidays and birthdays, BBQs and football games.
They gave their all for their country, for an affordable education, for a mission–or simply because their number was drawn.
Whatever the reason, they looked fear and death and destruction in the eye–so we might not have to.
How do we go about saying, thank you? One day of festivity does not seem quite enough.
So yes, as another 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month passes us by, let’s continue offering our gratitude to our veterans. Let’s find ways to take care of the families they leave behind; let’s support our troops upon their return. Let’s understand the issues, get involved, and strive to right wrongs–only then will we begin to offer a fitting tribute to all the sacrifices made.
I know this is a little late but I totally agree. The organization I work for just reviewed military / veterans charities and they need all the support we can offer
My recent post SUP Austin