Hello One and All!

Just thought I'd put this out there. Please. Come share your personal thoughts on this upcoming Veterans Day. Here are mine:

Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, is about commemoration; it is about coming together to remember and honor those who were willing to give their lives or a part of their life to serving in our nation’s armed forces.

As a proud Iraq War veteran and the son of a Vietnam veteran, I find it distressing that many of my fellow Americans have forgotten the true meaning of this national holiday. Growing up in a military family, as a child I was taught to love our country and always stand up for our rights and freedoms. Having served 15 years in the US Army, I know firsthand, the sacrifices that our service members make on behalf of their country to ensure that our country’s freedom and liberty are never taken away. I lost friends in Iraq, and I made a promise to them and their families that I would never forget their sacrifice.

Many veterans are anonymous to the masses; their service to the country as military veterans is largely overlooked, mostly ignored and sometimes even scorned. Ceremonies will solemnly honor those who gave their lives to this country, and celebrate the contributions of others who served and survived. The light that veterans are generally viewed in by the public is often dim.

Some people do not respect them. Times have changed. Veterans are viewed differently today than they were years ago, and public perception of veterans can be fickle. They don't think about the sacrifice that is made on their behalf.

Veterans and Veterans Day is disregarded and even ignored by a large portion of the population. Most people look at Veterans Day as a day off, or a day to go shopping for sales. People have forgotten its true meaning. Veterans Day isn't celebrated and honored the way it's meant to be. Traditional observance of Veterans Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans have forgotten the meanings and traditions. We should celebrate our veterans and their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Every American needs to sit down and think about what freedom means to each and every one of us. Then, we need to realize who defended it-our nations veterans. I believe the main reason our younger generations does not seem to care about Veterans Day is because we have never seen a major war. My parents were born after World War II, so they at least had close contact with someone who served in the military in some way. In fact, the majority of families at the time had someone in their family whom served in one form or another.

My generation, on the other hand, grew up during the tail end of the Cold War. We witnessed the Gulf War, but there were not many casualties, and a draft wasn't necessary for that conflict. We are in the midst of a war on terrorism, but so far, it is a different kind of conflict. No one is being drafted, and we are fighting an enemy that is an ideology rather than a country.

To today’s generation, war is not a bloody tragedy where our brothers, fathers or sons die. War is something they learn about in history class. Seeing as how the United States and many other countries are involved in the fight against terrorism, I fear that this newest generation has now discovered all too soon the meaning of a long, drawn-out bloody war. Conflicts will always exist. War will always be with us. One day our youth will realize the true meaning of mortality. Right now, they are young and carefree. However, this does not give them an excuse to blow off the contributions of others.

The contributions of military veterans often don't end upon their discharge. Their service to their country continues in the communities in which they reside. Some are police officers, firefighters, or work at the local post office. Others join their local veterans organizations. They go unsung and unrecognized. But they still feel compelled to serve this great nation no matter what the capacity.

Those who have gone before us know the true meaning of war. We must remember the importance of giving homage to our veterans, past and present. They are the backbone of the United States, and they help us to live in peace. With the continuing global war on terrorism being fought on two fronts, it is time for all Americans to remember the true meaning of Veterans Day. So please, celebrate Veterans Day, at least within the confines of your home, within your heart. Our veterans deserve it!

Very well stated.

Have a GREAT VETERAN's DAY at the Cafe !!



Hand Salute MAKE!!

Ready - - Two!!

stingerwooten,
Excellent write! Salute & thank you for your Service!

That's some good stuff there, eloquently spoken!

Agree 100+ % Have a good Veterans Day ... to those who gave the ultimate, RIP you deserve it!! To all, thank you for your service and sacrifice! Most of us are FREE because of you ... to others, "if you can read this, Thank a Teacher; if you can read this in English, Thank a Veteran!!"

Mark