Remembering our Veterans
Today we honor our country’s Veterans. Today, many across the United States of America, will extend the words” Happy Veterans Day”. I will revisit this.
Veterans Day which was originally called Armistice Day, is a federal holiday observed annually on November 11th.
Set as a day to honor military veterans, it coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day that are celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I.
The end of the war was formally recognized at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.
Eventually, at the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
Not to be confused with Memorial Day in May, Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who have died while in military service.
Another military holiday, Armed Forces Day, also in May, is when our country honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.
Now revisiting the words “Happy Veterans Day”. While some that have served in the United States Military had good experiences while serving, whether it be active duty or reserves, there is that approximately 10% that experienced combat or combat support duties.
Speaking with many combat Veterans over the years, those that shared some of their combat experience, it seemed did not leave them happy.
With what once called ‘shell shock’, and now recognized as PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome), has left countless Veterans with deep rooted scars. Scars that some learn to come to an understanding with, and some that may never come to terms with their experiences. Some Veterans also are struggling with health issues from past wars today. A constant reminder of the not so happy things some may have experienced.
I prefer to say, ‘Thank you for your service, dedication, and allegiance to your country. God bless you and all your relatives’. I offer my hand, and if appropriate a hug of reassurance. I do this not knowing whether the person I am thanking is a combat or combat support Veteran.
We need to remember that all who volunteered for service in the military, at one point, took an oath to protect our country, writing a black check to all of us that can include giving their life. To me, that in and of itself is brave, patriotic, and selfless. Although I generally do not like using the word ‘sacrifice’, for a lack of a better word, it is just that.
Military life is not easy, it can mean different duty stations far from home, and be challenging for families that are in the tour of duty together as a team.
Today, I say a silent prayer for all of our Veterans who contributed to the freedoms that we all enjoy in our everyday walk of life.
Driftless Now, thanks all Veterans for your service, and pray that you can live a good life. Remember, you are important, loved, and we are grateful to you. And to all Vietnam Veterans, welcome home!
