Veteran's Day

Yes, yesterday was Veterans Day, but today is the holiday, so I'll talk about it today.

Veterans Day was such a cool idea. It was instituted in 1919 following the end of "The Great War." November 11, 1918, was Armistice Day. Considered "the war to end all wars," Armistice Day was intended to commemorate those who had served -- ostensibly the last who would need to. Nice, right? Of course, that "Great War" later became "World War I," requiring "World War II" -- another world war. So it was not the war to end all wars. Thus Veterans Day was inaugurated. Still, a nice idea. It is still a "celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good."

Americans get a bit confused about the day. We have Veterans Day in November and Memorial Day in May. And then there's Armed Forces Day What's up with that? Memorial Day is intended to honor those who died for the country. Armed Forces Day recognizes those currently serving. Veterans Day is intended to honor all veterans, past and present, including those who did not die. And since some 80% of those who serve are in non-combat positions, that's quite a few. What is it, then, that we honor?

We honor those who served. We're all reasonably (although not completely) aware of the service of those risking their lives on the front lines. We dearly want to thank those who are literally fighting for our freedom. But no such fight is carried out by one man let alone the few. The one man requires his team, and the team requires their support. Time and again you will hear those who have served say something like this. "It's not for glory or for hate or because we're bloodthirsty. We serve because of love. Love for the ones next to us, for love of family and home, for love of country." They don't serve to get rich. They don't serve to get recognition. They don't normally get either. This isn't a career advancement. These people make grand sacrifices for others. Veterans represent a nearly lost attitude that America once had, the attitude of selflessness and sacrifice. That's what we recognize on Veterans Day.

Thanks, then, to those who served. May we return the favor and serve as well. Like so many veterans, it doesn't have to be in combat. But we ought to be serving others rather than ourselves and we ought to be thankful for those who demonstrate that kind of service.