I normally publish new articles on Monday, but today is Veterans Day and I felt it deserved some special attention. With the nation’s focus on the outcome of the general elections, I wanted to make sure we haven’t forgotten our veterans.
On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to all Americans on the first anniversary of the armistice ending the hostilities on the Western front of World War I. He thanked the nation and those who served during the war and marked the beginning of Armistice Day. It wasn’t until 1954 that the word “Armistice” was replaced by “Veterans” so as to honor all service veterans.
Our nation’s military has a long and proud history starting with the very formation of our country. For over 240 years, it has protected our shores and the rights and liberties of its citizens around the world. The men and women of our armed services answered the call of their nation and put their very lives on the line so that we could be free. It is because of them that we have the freedom, safety, security and rights we often take for granted today.
But that freedom comes at a cost. Our military has fought in places and in conditions most of us would turn our heads away from in disgust. They have fought enemies with no regard for the value of life or common human dignity. They have fought against forces whose only desire is to take our lives because of what we as a nation believe in. Our veterans have laid down their bodies and their souls for the nation, for the values we hold dear and for us. They have done all of this without question and with pride, dignity and honor.
Our very existence as a nation and our continued survival depends on their never-ending commitment to serve. Despite whatever politics and disagreements divide us internally, the men and women of our armed services have been there to protect our nation. To say we owe our lives to all those who have served doesn’t even come close to what their sacrifice has given us.
As is common in modern times, our youth and even some of the adults idolize the stars of the music and film industries as well as professional sports players. While a few are in fact good role models for our children, more are rich, entitled brats who have precious little in common with the people who are responsible for their enormous wealth and fame.
I submit to you a better option; the men and women who have made the choice to do service for their country. They do not do it for the glory, the fame and certainly not for the great economic windfall a military salary provides. From the mechanic who works on the planes to the pilot who flies them into battle. From the cook who keeps the troops fed on the line to the brilliant strategist who comes up with the plan to defeat our enemy. From the clerk who keeps the supplies coming in at the right time to the Special Forces operator who surgically strikes a terrorist stronghold and frees innocent captives. Each one of them is a hero and role model in their own right. They do these jobs not for themselves; they do it for their nation. What prouder tradition and sense of values could we ever want to instill in our families.
The veterans of our armed services are the heroes who walk among us every day. Many of our friends, neighbors and the businessmen and women in our communities have served their country with pride. We can never forget that they are the reason we are here and the reason we are free.
Both of my parents served in United States Air Force. While I did not have the honor to serve myself, the discipline and the values they instilled in me based on their service and dedication have shaped my life forever.
While we set aside this one day to honor these men and women, the privilege of knowing them and being grateful for their service goes on year round. To those of you who have answered their nation’s call to defend our country and liberty, we thank you for your service.
Bob
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