gratitude

Today, we celebrate our veterans.

It was President Woodrow Wilson who first proclaimed it Armistice Day:

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.” (November 11, 1919)

In 1945, it became a day to honor all veterans, whether living or dead, serving stateside or abroad, in times of war or of peace.

As for us, this year will be a bit more solemn. This year we’ll be preparing to say goodbye to two of our own.

The threat, you see, is never far removed.

And yet, they serve.

So to the men and women of the United States Army, Marine Corp, Nay, Air Force, Coast Guard, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Forces Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve, we salute you. And we offer our deepest thanks . . .

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.