I had a guy stick his head in my office today and wish me a “Happy Veteran’s Day.” That’s weird. Happy? But what’s the right thing to say?
The guy is a vet himself, serving several years in the Marine Corp Reserves, (Sempre Fi), and he knows that I was in the Air Force. It’s seems that most of the people that said anything to me about this day are vets themselves, but that’s another blog post.
What seemed weird was two things. First, the word ‘Happy’ attached to the day. Happy isn’t really what I’d attach to honoring veterans. But what are you supposed to say? I guess it’s the thought that counts, but can’t somebody in charge of this stuff come up with something else to say? I am sure my tax dollars are paying some Congressional committee or White House czar in charge of salutations that come up with this stuff. Can’t they come up with something else to use other than the word ‘Happy?’
Second, it hit me that I’m a vet, (after being out of the service for almost 20 years), and I don’t think of myself as a vet. I don’t think of this day as a celebration or a day devoted to me and my service. Here is why…
I think of veterans who have served and are serving as a special group. Some have dedicated a substantial portion of their lives to securing the freedoms that we enjoy in this country. Some of them have given more than just their time, but have given their health and well being for that freedom. And then there are those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. They serve for various reasons, but the fact is, they served and they served all of us. They served in un-Godly heat and bone chilling cold. They did it away from family and friends, in foreign countries on the other side of the planet, often times surrounded by a population that hated them. Yes, they have killed. But not for the desire to take over the world, but to defeat those that wish to kill the rest of us. They gave of themselves to help people that they didn’t know. They gave aid and cared for an injured enemy, one that moments before was trying to kill them. They show kindness when they can, even trying to spread some happiness, as short lived as it may be, to children in a war-torn community.
Why?
Because that’s who they are, and that’s who we are as a country. We are Fathers and Mothers; brothers and sisters; sons and daughters. We care about our country, but we also care about out fellow human beings. These veterans have been shot at, ambushed and on occasion, labeled as war-mongers and baby killers. And they don’t ignore that. They may not show it, because they are professionals, but they hear it. And it hurts. These are the warriors that keep the peace. They bring humanitarian aid to those that need it. They build schools and hospitals.
I’m not one of them. I am not a hero. I am not a warrior. I did not serve for some greater purpose, other that it was the right thing to do. I am honored to have served with these country’s hero. And I am flattered to be lumped in with them, even though I don’t deserve it.
My Dad served our country in Vietnam. He’s a hero. When he came home, the people of his own country spit on him. I served during the cold war. People were ambivalent to the military and those that served back then. They asked me why I was in, after all, there isn’t a draft? I am so glad to see that the citizens of this country have changed their collective attitudes. Now I hear people tell a man or woman in uniform, “thank you.” What a wonderful thing.
On this Veteran’s Day, from the bottom of my heart and with all the enthusiasm I can muster, I want to thank those currently serving and those who have served this country in uniform. And I honor those who have come before us. We, as a country, owe you more than we can ever express.
Yes, I served in the United States Air Force. I am proud of my time in the military. But please, don’t confuse me with the heroes. I’m not. They are.
But here is the secret that everyone that had the privilege and honor of wearing the uniform of the United States military share…we all feel the same way. The other guy is the hero, not me.
Thank you for honoring our vets, our heroes.
And by the way, to those occupying Wall Street?
Your welcome.
mike davenport photography 
Well I am here to say Thank You…Happily. You can call it what you want, but you stood up and made the sacrifice. You gave up everything you had and volunteered to serve your country. You don’t want to call yourself a hero, fine, don’t. The rest of us will! Whether you were in a combat situation or not doesn’t change the fact that you were willing to put yourself in harms way for others, and defend the very ideals and principles that some have used to hide behind. You raised your right hand and pledged to defend this country from all enemies foreign and domestic. Your time in the military not only made it safer for us, but you paved the way in technological improvements that keep our troops safer today. For that, not only do you earn the right to be called a veteran, but you deserve to be “lumped” into that community of heroes. As you said near the end of your dedication, “we all feel the same”…except now you’re the other guy!
So yes, I wish you a Happy Veterans Day and thank you for your time served. I ask you to congratulate and celebrate all those who have served and are serving in our Armed Forces.
Remember: No matter where you travel in the world, through internal conflicts, strife, dissension, wars, or hostage situations…when the last wall is knocked down, when the last piece of barbed wire is cut, or when the last door gets kicked in and those oppressed see the US Flag on the Veteran’s uniform, they know they are safe.