Veterans' Day is one of those National Holidays that often gets lost in the shuffle. Our expressions of gratitude to the men and women who serve and who have served should not be allowed to drift off of the radar screen of our awareness and consciousness.
My father was a memebr of "The Greatest Generation." He served with the Army Air Corps in India and Burma during WWII, and he paid for his service in the steaming jungles of Asia with health issues that plagued him all of his shortened life. He never openly questioned his service to his nation nor did he ever express a word of regret for his sacrifice.
Many of my generation served in Viet Nam and returned to a nation that was sick of the politics of the war - a nation that not only failed to thank them, but scorned them for their service.
A new generation is deployed in Afghanistan and in Iraq in response to their Commander and Chief's call to arms. My recent trip to Arlington National Cemetery and subsequent conversations with the family and comrades of the brave young warrior who was buried on that day have made me keeenly and painfully aware that sacrifices are still being made that deserve our thanks and our honor.
I spent last evening in the company of the men and women of the Armed Forces Alumni Association at Harvard Business School, celebrating with them the 230th birthay of the Marines Corps. It was a moving moment to see and hear young former officers and current business school students - representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines - toast one another in acknowledgement of the joint mission that all branches of the military share in defending the honor of our nation.
Take a moment on this day to say a prayer for those serve, those who have served and the families who stand behind their sacrificial service.
Al
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2 comments:
Thank you for remembering Veterans Day; many have served and lost their lives (literally or through loss accrued while on Active Duty). It is important to stop and reflect upon this day, regardless of political affiliation or personal belief!
Al,
Thanks for the message of thanks. We are all tremendously grateful for those who are carrying the guidon right now. Your blog is a pleasure to read and pass along!
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