Once a year, we remember all of those who served our country both at war and at peace. Veteran’s Day. Once a year, we take a few extra moments to think of those who gave so much and received so little. Meaning to say, they deserve much more. They should be honored everyday. Those who serve, so that others do not have to, epitomize the very virtue of selflessness, being men and women for others.
I was around to witness the lack of, not simply respect, but basic humanity towards young men coming back from Vietnam. It was worse than awful, it was a disgrace. Regardless of their political viewpoints, or personal politics, those men were still proud to serve America as both protectors and ambassadors. They did their job.
Copyright Joseph O’Hearn
It wasn’t so long ago that warriors were held in great esteem. There was a deep respect for those who protect. There was a respect for those who had to make the hard decisions. Respect for the ones who had to take action. Does that respect exist today? I’m not entirely sure. I’d like to think positively and say, “Yes, I think it does” because, honestly, I can’t stomach to say the alternative.Making a commitment to serve your country justly with honor and respect for duty, is a sacrifice, but also an privilege. With digital information being so readily available, the plight of the soldier has been a fixture in both media and online. Sure it’s skewed and tainted, but the essence of reality is still there. Because of this, I like to believe most Americans can sympathize better and understand the plight of those that serve.
The thing is, when you get back home, the war is rarely over. It’s right there in your memory to relive millions of times. When a combat soldier, or any soldier for that matter, comes home, the re-assimilation back to “normal” life is long and hard. It can be said that wars can kill men many years after they’ve left the front line.
This is why we remember.
Many of us who take serving our country so seriously that it becomes a family trait (i.e. my family) understand that the sacrifice lasts longer than a tour: it lasts a lifetime, it lasts generations.
It’s no secret that, while it’s fantastic that the majority of the American public embraces those who serve, veterans are woefully mistreated by the government sector. Now, I’m not being political, I’m just pointing out a fact that virtually all those that have ever visited the VA can corroborate. Ask a vet what he thought about his last VA visit and send me his response.
Maybe since the public has seemingly caught up to embrace our young men and women who serve, maybe their service benefits are next? I hope so.
Next time you have the opportunity, thank someone who served, thank them. That smile and handshake might just be the medicine they need.
Happy Veteran’s Day 2015-
RV Nana