Yesterday was actually Veterens Day. The holiday honoring military veterans. It is celebrated on the same day as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)
Today or yesterday really, in my humble opion, should be a solemn day for remembering and thanking and honoring those who fought and died or those who fought and came home forever changed by what they've seen. It irritates me that here in the U.S. Veterans Day has become little more than another day for stores to have big sales. It saddens me that an estimated 1/4 of the homeless in America are vets who haven't received the help they've needed when they come home. To me it is wrong that the flag-draped coffins of American Soldiers who died fighting for freedom can't be shown on TV because it is too "political" and divisive.
So, please take the time to watch the video and offer a prayer of thanks for those who defend our freedoms. This is by a Canadian songwriter named Terry Kelly and called a Pittance of Time.
I am overwhelingly appreciative for the fact that someone fought for my freedom... and humbled by the fact that so many died for it. I am grateful for my grandfathers, all three of them, who served in WWII -- two in the Navy and one in the Army Air Corps. I am indebted all those who fought in WWII -- the War to End All Wars -- and for those who have fought in all the wars after. I am deeply grateful for those who are this country's newest veterans. I do believe they are making me safer through their service.
I want to say thank you. Thank you for your service and your scrifices. I know the sacrifices are many and yet, you chose/choose to make them. Thank you.
3 comments:
That's a beautiful post! I am humbled as well and continue to be amazed how every day, someone is out there putting their life on the line. For me.
Thank you. I have to say, one of the most moving/memorable things of my life was walking into Arlington National Cemetary and seeing row upon coutless row of white grave markers all perfectly in line and knowing that all of those headstones were men and women who had been memebers of the Armed Forces. Quite a site for a young, self-centered teen girl to behold. To this day, that moment affects how I feel toward any service member. I am awed.
My favorite this year was the furniture store that gave active duty military an additional 7% off the price of everything in the store.
Why 7%? I have no idea. We didn't take them up on it, or I would have asked.
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