During this turbulent, uncertain time in our everyday lives, we should always be giving thanks, to all the many – First Responders – for their dedicated and committed services – doctors, nurses, emergency medical/service workers, firefighters, law enforcement personnel and all others who keep us healthy and safe. We are grateful for your services.
But, for too often, the totality of Americans fail or forget or ignore another group of – First Responders, who have and still answer the call to duty and service for our country – Our Military Veterans! What is a Veteran? A Veteran – whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve – is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to the “United States of America,” for an amount – “up to and including their life.”
Too many Americans today (esp. our young ones), take the freedom, the rights, even the life they live for granted. But, what they fail to realize – it was a group of first responders called Veterans, who answered their county’s call to arms and went into battle to make and keep us free and safe. We should forever remember, recognize, honor and celebrate all servicemen and women. These individuals who heard the call and answered were ordinary people, who left their families, homes and livelihood and didn’t do it for any special recognition or fame – only to serve.
Many Veterans among us, have sacrificed limbs, life-long injuries, both physical and mental; others made the call, answered and never returned (POWs/MIAs); and there are those who made the ultimate sacrifice – they died for us.
We have two National Holidays when we are asked to recognize and celebrate two groups of responders – the first is Veterans Day in November, when ALL Veterans are celebrated, living and who have passed, including those who are still on active duty. Memorial Day in May is when we are asked to pause and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending out nation.
We realize it will be more challenging to recognize Veterans Day this year, as we are all having to deal with the isolation forced upon us. But that shouldn’t stop any of us from offering thanks. Reach out to any Veterans you know and tell them you appreciate their service, displaying flags in their honor; make phone calls; video chat; email or text message.
Go a step farther than the holidays and show appreciation all year to any Veteran you meet. They may not be identifiable by a badge or other service affairs, but many are recognized by military service caps, jackets, rings and etc., the most distinguished is the uniform. So, whenever and wherever you see a Veteran say thank you – they’ll feel very special and it’ll make you feel very proud.
Let us continually walk toward tomorrow by honoring them.. as we appreciate and live in the freedom they provide and those who still protect us. On November 11, let us all proudly proclaim – “Happy Veterans Day to all those who have worn and still wear the nation’s military uniform – we appreciate your service!”
Mary Madison
Past VFW Post 251 President