Thank you, Veterans!

This week we celebrate a well-deserved holiday for those Americans who have served in the military, especially those who have fought in a war. According to Wikipedia, Veterans Day is: a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world and falls 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.)

In 1954 America renamed the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. By doing so, it gave the holiday the added significance of honoring all veterans of all wars…as we should.

My husband, Chuck, fought in the Vietnam War and was stationed in Da Nang. When he enlisted he was trained to be a computer operator; however, the need for more protection on base became great and he was switched to guard duty, six nights a week. It was tough to stay awake during the night, so he found ways to entertain himself. One story that he tells has to do with a “pet” rat. While Chuck was eating his dinner on guard duty (cold Spam from a can) a rat took interest in the Spam, too. My husband was so bored (and lonesome) that he started feeding and talking to this rat. They stayed buddies for an hour or so, until shots rang out a little too close and his new friend skedaddled out of there.

My husband has shared another story, too, but not very often. This one is about the reaction back home in America upon their return from Vietnam. There was no fanfare to speak of, no parade, no one patting him on the back for a job well done; not that he was seeking that. He enlisted because he felt it was the right thing for him to do. Even though the Vietnam War was not popular, brave men and women were still needed to come forth.

I am glad to see that the negative reaction to our soldiers faded along with the Vietnam War. Whether we agree with being involved in a war or not, we should still show appreciation to those who are willing to risk their life so that the rest of us may enjoy our freedom. It is fitting and right that we have a day set aside to honor those who have served in the military. Actually, I think the spirit of Veterans Day should be in our heart every day of the year as we openly express our appreciation to the men and women who readily sacrifice so much.

Unlike other countries, Americans are not necessarily a particular people from a particular place; we are the melting pot of the world, representing all nationalities and allowing all religions. Americans are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. We are unique, in that way. If we want to continue to enjoy such freedom, it will mean even more brave men and women stepping forth.

Thank you, dear Veterans, for serving our country. May God richly bless each one of you, and may He continue to bless America.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace,” (Numbers 6:24-26).

In His Service,
Connie