A Veterans Day Editorial

 

On this Veterans Day weekend, less than two weeks before Thanksgiving, we sincerely thank those men and women who have served in the military to secure and protect our freedoms. 

To clarify a question I had regarding this and Memorial Day, Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who have served in our military. 

Memorial Day, which used to be more commonly referred to as "Decoration Day," is to honor with the decoration of graves all those who have died, military or not. In recent years, Memorial Day has tended to have a strong military emphasis but it is really an opportunity to honor all those who have passed on before us. 

Either way, Memorial Day is a more solemn observance because it focuses on those no longer living. Veterans Day is for the living and the dead.

There are several in my family who have been in our country's services (Navy and Air Force, specifically). Each branch of service has its own personality and has specific purposes in the defense and maintenance of order for our country. 

I cringe when I hear of cuts in defense spending. At no time should we be so foolhardy as to take the protection of our people, property, and land for granted. Ever since the days of Cain and Abel in the Old Testament book of Genesis, it has been necessary to responsibly watch for threats to our safety and freedoms and to take action when needed.

I enjoy talking to people, asking them for "their story." When we ask thoughtful questions (with respect, not in a threatening manner) and then just listen, we can learn so much that we might never experience for ourselves. 

It has been my privilege to know personally several retired and/or former military people who will (if I persist enough) share the good and the bad aspects of their careers. They are often reluctant to share the gore. For some of them, they've seen true ugliness and would prefer to not dig it up for my inspection. Understood.

Some who have done time in the service of our country have been fortunate to not have seen the darker side of life but their service has been nonetheless essential to maintain equilibrium with world order. They are among the hidden heroes who have diverted danger through technology about which man on the street knows nothing.

What can the rest of us, those who are not called into the outright defense of our country -- what can we do to maintain law and order, and to demonstrate gratitude to those who are called?

It actually could not be simpler: behave ourselves and treat each other with respect. 

While the brave ones are out there on the front lines, we can obey the laws of our country, and relate to each other as we want to be treated. 

Don't steal.

Don't lie.

Don't cheat.

Don't speed.

Don't be greedy.

Share.

Give others the benefit of the doubt when at all reasonable.

Live unselfishly to maintain the proper balance of life.

The above is just to name a few. 

It's an insult to our veterans when we disregard civility here at home when they've been sent into harm's way to protect us. We need to behave in a way that makes our veterans glad they served us.

I thank the veterans I know, those in my family, in my circle of friends, acquaintances, and community and beyond. They have done us a tremendous service with bravery and unselfish expenditure of time to preserve a wonderful nation. 

God bless America and help us to live honorably.

Until next time, grace and peace.