A Veterans Day thank you from a fellow veteran
On the 11th month, of the 11th day, at the 11th hour, an Armistice was signed in 1918. It was the end of World War I and was to usher a new age of no more wars. This was the first time that American Troops allied as a powerful force to beat a European foe.
But the world would continue to experience war in a fiery forge that would require more calls of sacrifice upon the
following generations. In 1954, Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The nation recognized it was time to honor all who served, even in “the
war to end all wars.” The day continues to remind us of the high cost the veteran pays in protecting the nation’s life.
Where do veterans come from?
Well, they begin like anyone else; they grow up in a family, adopt community values and maybe do well in school, get involved in sports, clubs, or just hang out on the block. They have personal ambitions and dreams. They are ordinary people with extraordinary spirit.
But what makes a veteran?
They are men and women that are resolved to serve something bigger than themselves. They are not satisfied to sit on the sidelines when the defenseless need defense, or a neighbor needs a helping hand – and the distance makes no difference. They are realistic about this thing called, “military life,” knowing that it may require a great personal cost.
Some are not sure about serving, yet plan to be a general in about eight weeks (that’s what they thought the recruiter said). Then there are those whose patriotic passions run deep when our nation is faced with a crisis and take up call to arms without hesitation.
Some are reluctant about joining the service, but put on the uniform. Here is where unlikely heroes come from.
Whatever their motivation, they are never the same.
On the 181st day from their initial oath in the U.S. armed forces the law states they are entitled to be called “veteran.”
You see, the transformation begins on the first day of boot camp; individuals are molded into a team that later develops into a fighting unit, but above all, they learn to look out for one another. They begin to speak a different language (only known by veterans) and they stretch every muscle and fiber of their body and soul to be mission ready.
Their worldview has expanded. They are becoming professionals, driven by a new ethic and purpose. They are becoming America’s finest; all the while they earnestly pray for peace.
They are prepared to face the hidden enemy or meet those who would openly dare to attack us. The veteran will keep their promise to protect and defend the Constitution from enemies, both foreign and domestic.
They fight on the frontlines or go deep in jungles, deserts, or mountains. They work in supply, cook meals, repair equipment, or save lives. They will take to the skies or travel on the waterways. They are prepared, at a moment’s notice, to protect the freedom of our allies and assist in humanitarian missions when disasters strike anywhere in the world or at home.
No sacrifice is too great for one called veteran!
The veteran’s quiet moments can be filled with thoughts of loved ones, friends and the hometown. When homesickness invades, it is alleviated by letters, emails, phone calls, and that prized “care package” that brings home a little closer. All the while, he or she may be assigned in a place they only read about in National Geographic and struggle to pronounce a simple greeting in a language they barely understand, all to keep us safe here at home.
When their service is completed, they return home to waiting families and begin civilian life. Some will become a small business owner, return to the farm, become teachers, or serve in a technical trade. Others will heed the call of public service because they have first-hand knowledge what freedom costs.
Veterans make a community stronger.
At times the veteran may seem distant and may not share their experiences with family or even close friends. Yet will open up to another veteran who understands them, even when no words are spoken.
This is not the end of the veteran’s story, it continues with succeeding generations of men and women who respond to the nation’s call. They have already taken our place, like we did for those who came before us; keeping the promise: to preserve freedom for all.
So, on behalf of veterans in our community, we say thank you for taking time out to remember and honor all who are serving and have served our great nation in every season of our nation’s history.
– Keith Yarter
Stanwood
