I don’t need a day picked out to stop and think about Veterans and those currently serving. I think about them all throughout the year. I remember them when any number of things trigger them in my thoughts. I say prayers for them as the moment needs. I constantly wish they didn’t have to do what they do. I may not agree with the orders our government gives them, but my disagreement is with the government, not those doing their duty.
I don’t need a day to take a moment out of my life to thank someone in uniform. I do it when I see one and I get my courage up. I mean, how do you talk to someone, who is willing to do what you are not, about that very topic? I couldn’t ever serve in an offensive military branch. I’m too idealistic. I’m too opposed to killing. If you want to say I’m too scared, I don’t take offense. Maybe that’s true too. Fortunately, I don’t need to find out.
I do need to hear the stories. I need to know what happened
beyond what the history books say and what the news reports. We all need to know. Because text books only tell the strategic successes or failures. TV only tells the sensationalistic stories. Neither tell what it was actually like. What soldiers lived like, endured, and why they did what they did. The good stories as well as the bad. We need to know. We need to hear it first hand, and pass it on to those who can’t. Otherwise we don’t learn how much we need to work to prevent such things from happening again, and we don’t learn how much we take for granted behind the lines safe at home.
So a day was picked. Out of Respect and GRATITUDE, I want to honor all Veterans and those currently serving, on the day chosen for them with these words. Many of you chose a life I never would, and I thank you for doing that so I don’t have to go through what you did.
I’m grateful both my Grandfathers made it home safe from WWII (though only one actually made it out to the war). I’m grateful my father wasn’t drafted for Vietnam. I’m grateful my friend made it back from Iraq and my cousin Nathan made it back from Afghanistan. I’m thankful to all the people who did go into service, and grateful for every one who made it home. God bless you all.
Please forgive that I’m a day late in posting this.