Veterans' Day

Sun, 11/11/2007 - 16:39 — mdoneil

Today is Veterans' Day in the States. I know that many of us are related to veterans. My father, Dr. de la Pena McCook's father as well. Sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and co-workers we all know a veteran.

Today we should, even if for only a moment, thank them in some way. Say a prayer, tell a veteran thanks, visit the graves of those veterans lost to war or lost simply lost to time.

Our veterans answered the call of a nation to do what was needed of them. Our veterans didn't serve to advance their personal agendas, they served - and our troops now continue to serve- because they saw a job that had to be done. The joined the service to help others knowing it meant defending others, putting themselves in danger, and risking their lives. They joined to bring a better life, a life endowed with the freedoms we as Americans hold sacrosanct, to those to whom it had been denied.

What makes a veteran different from those of us who did not serve? It is not simply that they served; it is not the uniform, nor the crisp salute, it is not the camaraderie that develops among troops. It is something more important than that. It is something that they carry with them when they deploy far away from home, or when they help at home after disaster strikes. Active duty, National Guard, reserve all of those who serve carry it with them every moment. It is not issued when they enlist, nor is it given back when they retire. It is visible, yet intangible; a great burden, yet carried easily by those who possess it.

Honor, is what sets our troops apart from the rest of us. A sense of honor is so obviously lacking among many of us when we blame others for our faults, foibles, and failures. Should I, should we all be so imbued with this sense of honor we would be a much better people, and a much better nation.

We honor our veterans with a day; they honor us with their service.

Semper Paratus

Anchors Aweigh Marines Hymn.

The U.S. Air Force Song.

The Army Goes Rolling Along

Eternal Father, Strong to Serve. The Navy Hymn.