Memorial Day is the holiday where we remember those who died in war in defense of our country. Veterans Day is the holiday where we celebrate the safe return home of those women and men who signed up to defend us.
There is a subtle difference in the reasons for each holiday: one is of remembrance of our KIA heroes, while the other is to honor those who came home alive, but broken.
Yes, my friends. So many have returned either physically injured, mentally damaged, or in many cases, both. PTSD is hard to see, but it is as challenging to the veteran as much as one who suffered the loss of a limb.
I had occasion to meet and speak with many Veterans recently as I worked both Early Voting and Election Day in ny community. To a person, I could see each suffered a disability. Some were obvious with prosthetic devices, and others, with a silent pain in their eyes.
I thanked each for his or her service, and while they appreciated the recognition, the common reply was, “Thank you, Sir. It was my pleasure to serve.” Or comparable words. It was truly an honor to share their hands.
I share this today because tomorrow IS Veterans Day. So if you are out and about, and you see a man or a woman selling a poppy, give a dollar and take it respectfully. And thank him or her for the service he gave to defend our freedoms, to protect our liberties and the recognition he or she truly deserves.
They earned it from all of us who live in this free nation. With Liberty and Justice for ALL.
No comments:
Post a Comment