On November 11, citizens of the United States will enjoy a national holiday to honor veterans, those brave men and women who set aside their civilian lives for a time to defend America and the ideals of democracy that were envisioned by our founding fathers. In towns and cities across the country, there will be parades and ceremonies. Those who have lost loved ones due to their military engagement will perhaps lay a wreath at a grave, revisit old family photos, or just quietly but proudly remember the life of the military member they once knew. If you enjoy freedom, it is important to realize that nothing in life is free, even freedom. Everything has its price and anything worth having is worth fighting to defend.
Collected vintage postcard with patriotic theme
We honor the fallen but at the same time we recognize and salute the many wounded veterans who have come home battle-weary. In some instances, the injuries they suffered are not readily apparent to the casual viewer. Some suffer from flashbacks, revisiting the psychological terror and trauma they endured. They have been changed by the experiences of war, unwittingly, unwillingly, and unalterably. Adversity can make a person stronger but for every seemingly strong person one meets, the level of suffering they have experienced is not quantifiable. Like iron heated in the fire’s flame, they have often been tempered and transformed. Suffering is something that is deeply personal. Many of our veterans have sacrificed their very limbs and and good health status in exchange for the greater good of their countrymen. Their honor lies in service to ideals that transcend personal considerations of comfort.
Even those who have not seen a battle during their military career deserve our respect. They have stood, ready to be of assistance at a moment’s notice. While we are thanking our veterans we should also consider the sacrifices of their spouses and children on the home front who have no choice but to maintain life “as usual” while missing their military loved one’s presence. Personal sacrifice and dedication are the watchwords that surround the lives of military personnel and their families.
On this one day in November, we gather as a country to simply say, “Thank you.”
Veterans: thank you for your commitment, your service and your quest to keep our country free from those who seek to do it harm. God bless you and God bless America, land of the free and home of the brave!
Patricia Cummings, author of the new book, Sweetheart & Mother Pillows 1917-1945 (a book about military pillow collectibles from World War I & II and the years of the C.C.C.), available in December, worldwide.
Tags: Veteran's Day 2011
