Called Armistice Day or Veterans Day, it's today, the 11th of the 11th of the 11th. As Armistice Day I see the celebration. The end of war and beginning of peace is to be celebrated. But I have a hard time saying "Happy" Veterans Day. This isn't a happy thing, being a veteran. Especially with the way veterans are treated these days. Serving is and was a sacrifice, a duty, something noble to have done. Happy seems wrong.
Tammy Duckworth sent out an email today, herself a vet who was gravely wounded in the current wars:
"Today, it is essential that we honor all those that have been willing to make the defense of freedom their personal responsibility. Since before the inception of the United States, those Veterans have served the American people enduring physical danger, discomfort, horrible living conditions, and long separation from their loved ones.
This rite of remembrance is especially poignant at this time when so many of our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters are currently deployed overseas and in harm's way. Let us each remember now that every one of those Americans has voluntarily undertaken those tasks to protect our country, and let us continue to remember when we welcome them home at the end of their service.
On Veterans Day and throughout the year, we must remember the sacrifice America’s warfighters and their families make every day. There is no more important job than keeping our nation safe and secure, and they deserve the very best that our country has to offer."
However one feels about what's going on, let's not ever forget those who serve.
MYSTERIOUS GARDEN
10 months ago
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6 comments:
Remembered the world over...may we never forget the price of freedom.
As we no longer think of this as Armistice Day, and think of it as Veteran's Day instead, I always feel that I need to point out that there are many who serve their country in ways not related to the military who should also be remembered as veterans of the wars that made this country great. For instance, it was on a November 11th that the Haymarket protest organizers were hung...
Thanks for this, Austan. At least your Viking(!) ancestors mounted the horns on the outside of their helmets. Not sure how U.S. got that backwards.
All veterans sadly, no matter what 'side' they are on, believe that they are fighting for freedom.
I agree, happy Veteran's Day wouldn't sit comfortably in my mouth.
Amen. However, I must say, a couple of my husband's pals, who also served in Nam, called to wish Smarticus a "Happy Veteran's Day", and he returned the sentiments to them.
Thanks, everyone. I agree with you all.
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