Veterans day November 11th.

I had an appointment at the VA today. While waiting I listened to a couple of old soldiers talking about Veteran's day and how it had become another meaningless holiday until 911. It dawned on me that they were absolutely right. A few years ago I realized that for too many years I did not take the day off or even pause for a moment to reflect on what this day really does mean. I avoided Veteran's day parades knowing they would be painful at best. There were far too many memories and ghosts to deal with. My Grandsons wanted to attend the parade one year and I decided to deal with the ghosts and go. Imagine my surprise when instead of being miserable the whole time, I actually enjoyed the parade and was able to answer the many questions my Grandsons asked. There were somber moments especially the Vietnam Vet's float but all in all, I enjoyed the parade and feeling the pride of being a Vet.

Those of us who have served enjoy a unique bond and are truly Brothers In Arms regardless of when you served, the branch you served in or in war or peace. We should proudly share the heritage of this country and always wear that pride right out in front for all to see.

Every November 11th is our day and we should enjoy the day and the thanks of our country. Take a moment to remember those who gave their all to keep us free and thank your fellow vets for helping to keep us free.

From a vet to all vets, thank you.

As for me, I am taking part of the day off and going to the parade.

CD

I had remembered a letter written by an unknown author titled "Take a Moment to Reflect" but could not locate it. I did find this while looking. The title is:

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From the Heart of a Vietnam Veteran​

It seems so many have forgotten the meaning of Veterans Day. But what makes it so special a day that every American should take a moment to reflect, and thank those who served?

Veterans Day isn't simply about the men and women who served in the Armed Forces of this great country. It's about their sacrifices, heroism, and unselfish dedication to the United States of America. It's about their willingness to lay down their lives for the ideals on which this country was founded. It's about sacrificing their lives so someone else may live.
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It's about giving their all that others may have freedom. It's about fighting in the mountains, jungles and deserts in a foreign land, in the hope the same battles will never have to be fought in their homeland.
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It's about fighting oppression to allow others the power to express their opinions and views, without fear of reprisal and sanction.
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It's about vowing to "leave no one behind" and carrying a comrade in arms from the battlefield on your shoulders in the hopes he will live, but knowing that at the very least, he will be buried in his beloved country.
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It's about enduring the horror of war in the hopes your children will never have to do the same. It's about laying in the mud, or sand or in a hole, and praying that the shelling will end. And looking at your buddies alongside you, and whispering words of hope and encouragement.
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It's about being dead tired and still finding the strength to go on, sometimes when the odds are so heavily against you that it almost appears hopeless.
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It's about the doctors and nurses who endure hell with you and work tirelessly tending the wounded. It's about visiting a buddy in the hospital and reassuring him that he'll be OK. It's about writing a letter home for someone who will never return home.
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It's about writing that letter for yourself, just in case you are one of the unlucky ones, and putting it in your pack where it would be found.
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It's about cursing and swearing and praying and hoping. It's about crying and smiling, sometimes at the same time. It's about working and fighting side by side. It's about a common goal, where personal wants and needs are forgotten. It's about the sharing of a smoke or a candy bar, or cookies sent from home.
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It's about the looks on the face of a serviceman when he sees death and carnage for the first time.
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And it's about the face and smile of a child who has been rescued from the ravages of war, even if only for a while.
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It's about the fields of white crosses and rows of simple bronze markers in cemeteries throughout the country, marking the graves of brave men and women. It's about the graves on foreign shores where many died in the name of freedom, but who never were able to come home.
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It's for the veteran shedding a tear while remembering friends and comrades from long ago.
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It's for the prisoners of war who endured the misery and torture of captivity in enemy hands.
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It's for those who venture out in storms because the book says they have to, but the book doesn't say they have to return.
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And it's for the families of those brave men and women, who fight a personal battle every day their loved ones are gone.
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No, Veterans Day isn't simply a specified moment in time. It's a day where every one of us needs to thank those who served this great country, both the living and those who have passed on. Those of us who served will never forget them; please take a moment to remember them too.

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The veteran who wrote this wishes to remain anonymous.
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Good job C D (some gave some some gave all) brothers forever.The vet that wrote that article, kinda says it all. viet nam vet 1969-1970. we all have ghosts of the war the thing is ,its up to us to deal with them. it took me until1990 to make the trip to the wall rolling thunder 3 a believe it was, but being there with other brothers that made it back, made the trip a life change for me.i saw the three friends i left there, there names on the wall,and from that day on i still thank them and all others that served and gave so much, welcome home C D. john