What Veteran's Day Means To Me

 

The United States commemorates two days a year for our military—one day to mourn the passing of those who have paid the last full measure of devotion and one day to celebrate those who survived to return home to friends and family. Today is the day for celebration and remembrance.

 

Many years ago, I joined a long, continuous line of guardians stretching back centuries into the past. Collectively we pledged our lives and sacred honor to defend home and family. We are joined in a unique band of brothers and sisters who have one common feature—we signed a blank check on behalf of our nation, payable with our lives. Anyone can do it, but few answer the call. In the United States, fewer than 1% of the population become part of this band. The rate is even lower in other countries. Many of us serve just one tour, while others spend a lifetime in uniform, some continuing on to serve in civilian service while their uniforms gather dust in a closet.

 

Many saw combat and experienced horrors that caused trauma that lives within to this day. Others did not survive. My son is one of those who survived Iraq and Afghanistan only to end his own life due to the ever-growing pain of PTSD. While he and so many others are part of this day, their special day comes in May. Others stood the watch, waiting for the call that never came. Still others fought in the shadows of clandestine wars undeclared, doing battle with those malign entities who meant harm to their home and allies, never to acknowledge their struggle.

 

For the United States, our line goes back to the Revolutionary War. When our country called, we answered. The line continues on as we hand off our duties to the next generation of guardians, content to sit back and rest… or do we? We veterans will lament about the long hours, terrible conditions, crappy food, military bureaucratic stupidity, long days away from home in locations ranging from beautiful to horrendous… and yet… and yet we still hear it. Even today, after all the years in uniform, I can hear the call to duty, the desire to be with my brothers and sisters in arms. We look back and think to ourselves, “I’d do it all again.”

 

So happy Veteran’s Day to my brothers and sisters in arms. I remember you, want to be with you, and would do it all again with you.