Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. "Hey, aren't they the same thing?" No, not quite. Memorial Day commemorates America's fallen. It is a day of tribute to all who gave their lives for this country. Veterans Day isn't the same. It is intended to honor all who have served.
I remember talking with a World War II veteran years ago. He told me about his time in the South Pacific during the war. Truth be told, he didn't get shot at ... once. He worked on an island at a depot. He helped provide the needs of those in combat. You see, while we rightly honor those who place themselves directly in harm's way to defend our freedom, they don't do it alone. Someone has to feed them and supply them and give them the medical treatment they need and fix their weapons and even manage their paperwork. Behind each fighting man or woman is an entire army of people working to keep them functioning. It is, then, those who place themselves in harm's way as well as those who support those who do that are being honored.
Today we say "Thank you" to those who tend to families while soldiers, sailors, and airmen are away. Today we show our gratitude to those who answered the call to duty regardless of the roles they played. Well, it really is in the term, isn't it? Today we honor all who are serving or who have served their country. To all veterans, I say "Thank you for your service."
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