Veteran's Day

I remember back to my stint in the first grade, an announcement came over the PA instructing us to stand, face the East, and observe a moment of silence at 1100AM. It was 11 November and though we had no idea what it was about, we were observing Armistice Day. Already a faint echo, the “War to End All Wars” merely set the stage for much larger conflicts. The scars from WWII and the Korean wars were much fresher in the memories of our parents, though along with Armistice Day meant little to a first grader. Indeed though many of our parents had served in WWII and the Korean Conflict, the whole concept was lost on most first graders, as with the pledge of allegiance it was just something we were expected to do and we performed by rote.

Years later and having served myself, the day that eventually become Veteran’s Day took on a special meaning. Perhaps the old adage “Walk a mile in their shoes” fits the situation best, though I didn’t live in the open deprived of basic necessities while fending off enemy attacks. I have seen old newsreels of soldiers fighting in the ETO and Pacific and I don’t know how they did it, can barely fathom the devotion to duty behind their efforts and their personal struggle to just survive. I admire these men and women and hold them as my personal heroes.

We’ve had more conflicts since, Vietnam most notable, and are in two horrible conflicts now. Soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guard, and airmen, active and reserve, give up their families, their civilian careers, and sometimes their lives to protect our country or to enforce our National policies. It is therefore fitting that Armistice Day was changed to recognize all those who serve, selflessly giving of themselves so we may rest easy. My thanks to all those who are serving, have served, and special thanks to the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.