Veterans Day, a Day to Say Thank You

Chad at Al Anbar, Iraq.

November Eleventh, a day set aside to say thank you and to recognize those who have served in our military forces to stand between us and those who would do us harm. Originally called Armistice Day in 1919 by President Wilson, the commemoration began with the words "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" It was a day to be filled with parades and commemoration speeches thanking those who served in the previous years and the previous wars, starting with World War 1. On May 13, 1938 it became a legal holiday.

Businesses, banks, the federal government, schools, many places will close down today in observance of our heroes in uniform. With the government it won’t make much difference, but we may feel it in other areas. I’ll be taking the 9 year-old to play putt putt golf today because her school is closed to celebrate. The girls, however, will be working, because, well, not everyone can observe it with time off. Profit before anything else.

Still, there are other ways to celebrate and observe. I recommend checking with your local area and discovering what is being done to honor those who have stood in the gap for us. At the least, you can reach out and say thank you to those you come in contact with who have served. Share your gratefulness with them, shake their hands, tell them you’re proud of the work they have done. They need to hear it. They deserve to hear it.

They served in other countries. They were separated from their families, missing school plays, soccer games, birthdays, and sometimes even births. They have sacrificed in order for the rest of us to be able to enjoy those very things they were missing. Not only have they sacrificed time away from loved ones, some have sacrificed their bodies, emotions, and stability. They do deserve our gratitude and so much more.

I know it’s not the typical fare for a Mess post, but today is not a typical day. Today is the day we should thank those who have served, in times of war and in times of peace, to ensure our borders are safe. My father served. Several of our closest friends have served. One of the six children that drive us crazy, Chad, served. To them, and so many others, I say thank you, thank you for protecting us and standing in the gap between us and those who would take away our freedoms and our lives. You deserve more than just this day.

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