Veteran's Day

To me, every day is Veteran's Day. There isn't a moment that passes where I'm not thankful to each and every person that has signed a blank check payable to the United States of America. Their service, whether for one enlistment, or for 20+ years is commendable. To me, they are the epitome of bravery.

The men and women who have willingly volunteered for the United States Armed Services had no clue what their future held for them. They didn't know if they'd see a combat deployment, or if they'd ever see a deployment at all. But, they were willing to risk that "if" for the greater good. For their brother or sister in arms, and for the people on the home land. They knew there was a possibility they would be put in treacherous territory, but they signed anyway.

Or, maybe they were drafted - which, to me, is worse. They had no say in whether they fought or not. "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival comes to mind. John Fogerty wrote the song in his bunk one night sitting in the middle of Vietnam. He didn't want to fight. "It ain't me", he wrote. What a gritty, yet simple lyric. They weren't really fighting because they believed in or understood what they were doing. They were fighting to get back home...they were fighting so the brother next to them could also make it home. They were fighting to stay alive. They deserve just as much respect and dignity as those who volunteered.

The thing about Veteran's Day now is that it doesn't feel as honored as it once did. I feel like our country has lost a lot of respect for authority in general, and with that authority, comes our military. I'm not sure when it happened, or why it happened. Maybe parents stopped teaching their children respect? Maybe the advance of technology somehow played a part? Maybe celebrities had an influence? Or, maybe, it was a compilation of all three? Regardless of who or what is to blame, the lack of respect for our Veterans needs to end. Now. More emphasis needs to be placed on Veteran's Day - about teaching our children/teens how significant the day is and what they can do to honor it.

My husband receives thank you's from different people throughout the year. His response is typically along the lines of, "Thank you. It's an honor to serve for those who still appreciate it." For those who still appreciate it. Who wouldn't appreciate it? That is what I don't understand. Here's a thought: if it weren't for them, consider where we as a country would be. The safety, the structure, and the overall well being of the United States. I think people in general like to believe that our nation is invincible. That we're indestructible and nothing bad will ever happen. We're a naive country full of extremely entitled people. If it weren't for our Veterans and the sacrifices they have made, who knows how stable our nation would be?

I truly believe recognition is so important. Maybe the only thing standing between a suicidal Veteran is a simple, "Thank you so much for your service. It doesn't go unnoticed by me and my family."

You never, ever know what someone is battling. If there is anyone who deserves our full attention, respect, honor, and help, it's our Vets. OUR Vets. They took an oath to defend us. It's our turn to help them.