Veterans Day

On November 11, 1918, the horror of WW1 officially ended. Still recovering 20 years later, our nation voted to honor WW1 veterans for their service with legislation deeming November 11 to be "Armistice Day." By 1954, however, we had seen WW2 and the Korean War, and Armistice Day was replaced with Veterans Day, a day to honor and recognize all veterans.

My husband during his service

Today is Veterans Day, 2016, and I would like to take a moment to reflect. I honor veterans of all wars as well as veterans of peacetime. I honor my grandfather, uncle, and cousins for their service in the Air Force; my father-in-law, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War; my husband, who served 9 years between the Army and Navy; and all of my brothers and sisters in arms, past and present. I honor those who were wounded in the line of duty; those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their very lives; and all of us who raised our right hands and took an oath, willing to make that sacrifice if necessary.

WW2 veterans

Last night I had the privilege of attending a high school Veterans Day concert. The concert was very well done, but what was most meaningful to me was the time taken to honor the WW2 veterans present. Of course it is wonderful to pay tribute to their service and sacrifice, but it is absolutely essential that the young people of this generation are taught to respect and honor these veterans, and that respect and honor be modeled for them to emulate. In this day in age, when it seems that so many people feel entitled to everything, it is so important to recognize those who have fought to preserve the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Myself with our truck

This Veterans Day, when you see an older gentleman wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat, shake his hand and thank him for his service. When you see a few young guys sporting crew cuts gathered around a bar, raising a drink to a buddy who didn't come  home, show some respect. We all know someone who served - go thank that teacher or janitor or parent or relative or whoever it is. Let us all be grateful for the sacrifices made for all of us and our great nation.

Happy Veterans Day.