Poppies and war graves in France. photo from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/festivalsandevents/8654155/Book-now-short-break-holiday-ideas.html
***A VETERAN***
Whether on active duty, retired, national guard or reserve, is someone who,
at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United
States of America,” for an amount of “up to and including my life.”
That is honor, and something to be proud of!
One of the most significant, yet least heralded holidays of the year, November 11th, is almost upon us. 96 years ago, at 11am on November 11th 1918, The War To End All Wars came to a conclusion. The negotiations had yet to begin, treaties had yet to be signed, but for the first time in over 4 years the guns were silent. An entire generation of Englishmen, Frenchmen, Belgians, Australians, Russians, Germans, and more than a few Americans were wiped out in those four short years. That conflict forced many changes world-wide, some for the better, most for the worse…BUT one of the better changes was world-wide recognition of what our veterans go through to ensure our freedoms and liberty remains intact.
At first November 11th was Armistice Day, and on the first anniversary of the cease fire, then-President Woodrow Wilson said in 1919, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory…” However, full recognition wasn’t achieved until the first Veteran’s Day was celebrated 52 years later in 1971.
These last 13 years have seen our men and women in uniform fighting for longer and, in some cases, more hopeless battles than at any other time in our nation’s history and they deserve our gratitude, our admiration, and our support. Remember, it doesn’t matter if you agree with WHY they are fighting, because you can help influence those decisions by VOTING. These returning servicemen and women don’t have a choice in when or where they serve, only that they CHOOSE to serve.
How many times have you gone to the supermarket and seen shoppers in uniform? Most of the time they seem to be with their families, toting young children, trying to go about their business. How much time or effort would it take to simply say, “Thank you for your service”?
Be respectful, be gracious, be grateful. The security of, not just our Nation, but those of our allies around the world depends heavily on our volunteer military. No one forced them to join, no one forced them to fight, and yet they bravely face wounds and death because they believe that the sovereignty of our nation, and of others is worth more than their own lives. Mothers and Fathers leave their children and children leave parents and friends because they know that there is nothing greater than courage in the face of imminent danger, or honor and bravery on the battlefield, and even accepting the ultimate sacrifice for God, for Country and for family.
PPL Motorhomes honors and salutes all those who have served past, present and future. We are grateful for your sacrifices beyond any words that we can express. Thank you — from the bottom of our hearts — thank you!