Gratitude on Veterans Day
Today is Veterans Day in the United States, a day to honor all military veterans, living and deceased.
It occurs every year on November 11 in alignment with Armistice Day, or what some may know as Remembrance Day, and has been celebrated formally and informally since the end of World War I.
The town where I live has a Veterans Memorial that is a one-mile walk from my house. A ceremony took place there this morning, presented by the local American Legion, Marine Corp League, and VFW Post.
It was a lovely, emotional, rewarding, and even at times humorous ceremony on a cool, breezy morning with the clearest blue skies one can imagine. At the end of the ceremony, "Taps" was performed by two trumpeters, and was then followed by an eagle flying overhead. Hollywood could not have drafted a more memorable moment.
In the spirit of the day, here is my list of gratitude for America's armed forces.
1. I am grateful millions of men and women have sacrificed so much to protect this country from harm.
All at tremendous risk to their well-being, and too often their lives.
2. I am grateful for the many veterans who return home from duty yet continue to serve in many ways.
Whether as public officials, police officers, as volunteers in their communities, and so much more.
3. I am grateful there is a healthy tradition in the United States for honoring veterans.
It's all too easy to forget their sacrifices when it's all out of sight and out of mind. Yet this country is replete with memorials, monuments, and remembrances that keep their efforts alive in our memories.
4. I am grateful America has the greatest military in the world.
A debate can be had about the many errors our military has made over the decades, but for every mistake, there are thousands upon thousands of acts of bravery and moral correctness.
5. I am grateful for the example that veterans set for their families and communities.
You're hard-pressed to find more loyal, disciplined, and upstanding citizens than veterans.
6. I am grateful to live in the United States.
We are a flawed country, for certain, but we are also beautiful, strong, hard-working people. There are many wonderful places in the world but I am most grateful for this one.
7. I am grateful for the families of veterans who support them while they are on active duty.
It must be incredibly challenging to have a loved one in harm's way without knowing if that person will ever return home.
8. I am grateful so many people willingly sign up for military service.
The United States has all-volunteer armed forces. That's pretty remarkable.
9. I am grateful for all the stories veterans have shared when returning home.
I have never served in the military, but I am fascinated by military history and traditions. Thankfully, veterans have shared their stories in countless books, television shows, podcasts, and simple word of mouth, to allow ordinary citizens like me to learn from them.
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