My Veterans Day thanks
On Veterans’ Day 1993, I was on my 80 days terminal leave from the Army, working as a security guard on a construction site, waiting for the Spring semester to start at SUNY Oswego. I’d had a sudden interest in politics and started reading the newspaper again. The Syracuse Herald reprinted a column from Chicago’s Mike Ryko that day which has stuck with me every Veterans Day since.
When I started reading blogs a few years back, I was pleased to see that Matt Burden had also read that particular column and republishes it every year. So let me add my endorsement to the message. Anyone who has survived that first soul-shattering morning of basic training and stuck out their military service for the remainder of their commitment in spite of it, has my unending admiration and respect, no matter what job the military assigned them.
I’ve known real honest-to-God heroes who slogged across Europe, across the Pacific, through the jungles of Burma, Central America and Vietnam. Guys who stood on the Eastern border of Western Europe, the northern border of South Korea. Folks who met the enemy from the land, sea and air, and folks who’ve never heard a shot fired away from the marksmanship range. They’re all Veterans and all can claim a measure of pride in their service, voluntary or otherwise.
One old guy I knew from my hometown was a member of the VFW, the American Legion and marched in every parade in town because he was proud of his service during World War II. The old guy had been an Army meat cutter stationed in Buffalo, NY for the entire war but he never put on airs or made up stories and I doubt anyone in town was prouder of their service. And he had every right.
Anyway, go read Royko’s article at Blackfive.
Thanks to all of the veterans who make this humble blog a part of their day, and a special thanks to the spouses who bear our burdens at our side and to those who didn’t serve but support us.
Category: Military issues
Thank you for your service. Thank you and your brothers and sisters in arms and their families who make and have made the daily sacrifices in service to our nation.
A toast to all!
Poppies on lapels and cold ones in hands for all!
Yup…. that’s was then, and still is, a great idea that Royko had. Thanks for linking to it.
Amen,Jonn,Amen
Thank you to all U.S. veterans, past and present, for the sacrifices you have made to keep our nation free.
As I have attempted to point out, when we salute the service of one soldier or other, for some particular act; while we do have heroes who have excelled, and done this or that to save their buddy, the unit, or even the nation- What of those of us who volunteered, served in waiting, but didn’t get the call to combat? I believe that all who raise their hand, take the oath, and sign the check to lay their life on the line for the Country are true heroes. Only when they denigrate their position with cowardice, or abandonment of duty, do they cease to be heroes. I served for just over 4 years, and was blessed with not having to go to Southeast Asia. Was I, and my buddies, not up to doing heroic deeds? Is the person who is released from duty while still in Boot camp, for some reason other than personal cowardice not a hero? Looking at the pointy end of the spear is truly heroic, but what of those who weren’t afforded the opportunity during their service?
GOD bless all who raised their hands,(and meant it), served and made it home, or didn’t make it home! America is the strongest damned country on the planet because of us- The Veterans and active duty military of the USA!
“Never Forget Ft Hood Texas 11/5/09!”
Frank,
Like the man said “they also serve, who stand and wait”. Any man or woman who took the oath and meant it is our brother or sister, and worthy of our respect.
God bless them one and all.
God bless you all!
We all have tha potential to be heros, to do those acts which are above and beyond the norm. But we will never know for sure until we are each and every one of us put to the test.
GO VETS!!
And thank you, one and all.
Thank you for your service Jonn and TSO!
Those of us who have served defer humbly to those who served under fire and more so to those who have given some measure to their last full measure in doing so.
Well said,Dr.Chiroux,very well said…
I was down at the VFW last night and the Jr Vice asked me to help grade the Voice of Democracy essays. The theme was “What is a Hero?”. 3 entries, one which was quite good using examples of soldiers under fire, first responders, and civilians in the WTC during 9/11. The second started good with Rosa Parks and descended to abysmal talking about Oprah and comic book characters. The third was okay, but exceeded the 5 min speech limit.
Today I’m burning a day of vacation and going down the post for my free SOS and a few beverages. Thumbs up to all my fellow vets.
Amen, indeed. A-men!
Well said, Dr. Chiroux.
On of my hardest days was TSO calling me and telling me he was going to deploy while I had to sit on the sidelines.
For a real treat watch Mark Knopfler honor Britain’s finest here: