This year I actually want something for Veterans Day. I know it has become a day where we all say, "thank you," to a veteran. Either a veteran we know or one we find in uniform. As one in uniform, I want to be the first to say that I sincerely appreciate the consideration displayed when someone thanks me. Not really for myself, but for my family, for my troops, for those that have given more than I have, and especially for those that are not around to receive it. You honor them with your thanks and on this one one small issue I will endeavor to speak for all veterans when I say that the pleasure has been ours to serve you.
Veterans Day started as Armistice Day by Woodrow Wilson on November 11th, 1919. On June 1st, 1954 by act of Congress, it became known as Veterans Day. It was designed to reflect with solemn pride the victory achieved on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. It was supposed to mark the end of the war to end all wars, World War I. World War I was especially bloody because it at once recognized a great leap forward in technology and leadership that was unable to change to the new environment. Unfortunately, those that crafted the armistice demanded too great a price in their arrogance and in ignorance set the stage for the next world war.
Now, we get to the part where I distance myself from my fellow veterans and make a request. It is not the usual request, and many will scratch their heads, and wonder why I would make it. If you value veterans, however, then I want you to thank someone that says something that truly offends you. Shake hands with the friend that opposes your politics. Comment positively on an online article by the journalist that endeavors to expose flaws in the policy you love or the candidate you support. I want you to do it in the same spirit that the veteran serves after someone burns the flag of our great nation; sings loudly over the voice that doesn't know the words to the national anthem; bites his tongue when someone fails to salute the flag properly, or instruct their children not to be disrespectful during the Pledge of Allegiance or America the Beautiful, or bows his head in quiet reflection when someone is censored or jailed for exercising their rights. Nothing that I can think of offends a veteran (or at least this one) more than these actions, yet it is proof positive that our work and sacrifice was successful and not in vain. So after 26 years, I have these simple requests.
While you are thanking a vet, remember to thank his spouse. They are the forgotten entity in the remembrance of sacrifice, because their sacrifice does not involve placing their lives on the line. Their job requires maintaining the status quo while their spouse fights for your rights. Don't know who they are? They are the people who cannot get a job because their résumé shows that they do do not stay at one position for more than a year or two at most. They are the ones who cannot always be at the PTA meeting because they are the only parent that can drive each child to their respective sporting events, and cheer for each, even if it is for only five minutes before leaving to pick up the other child. They are the ones that will not go to "Girls Night Out" because they may miss a call from their deployed spouse, and may not have another chance for a month. They need thanks also; but mostly they need support.
So smile at the person who offends you; they are helping to keep you free. Listen attentively and respectfully to your friend that opposes your view; they are keeping the process free. Thank the journalist that reveals things you wish they hadn't before the upcoming election; they have just ensured your vote is of free will and not of ignorant mind. Heartily thank those who offend you, it is what every (or at least, this) veteran does when you thank him. In a time where the lines of civility, friendship and acceptance of others has been blurred, it seems imperative to remember why veterans are needed. Veterans fight the good fight; the fight that must be waged. It is the security, retention and protection of the rights that we all hold so dear. So keep this in mind this Veterans Day - every time a veteran is offended, he knows he has done his job.
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